“ASDA 15” – Press Conference
On the occasion of the third Adriatic Sea Defense and Airspace Exhibition the “ASDA 2015“ to be held in Split
the Assistant Defence Minister for Material Resources Viktor Koprivnjak, the Croatian Navy Commander, Commodore Predrag Stipanović, the Director of the Industry Sector of the Croatian Chamber of Economy , Tajana Kesić Šapić and the Deputy ASDA Director, Lieutenant Colonel Roman Mikulić presented the featured activities in a press conference held in Split on 10 April.
The Assistant Defence Minister for Material Resources, Viktor Koprivnjak proudly emphasised that the Croatian defence industry has developed to the point of being capable to fully equip the Croatian soldiers. The ASDA is highly important for the Croatian economy, but it also has a military and foreign political value, enabling the Croatian defence businesses secure their place in the international market.
The Croatian Navy Commander, Commodore Predrag Stipanović briefed on the activities planned by the Navy, in particular the joint exercise „ASDA 15“, as an opening activity. The interdiction exercise in the Poljud port will be a combined Croatian Navy-Croatian Air Force and Air Defence- SOCEUR operation to demonstrate the capabilities and trainedness of the Croatian Armed Forces engaged in control and protection of maritime security in the Adriatic Sea.
The Director of the Industry Sector of the Croatian Chamber of Economy, Tajana Kesić Šapić expressed satisfaction over the fact that the leading Croatian defence businesses would exhibit in ASDA 15. Mrs Kesić Šapić stressed the fact that the industry comprised some 100 subjects, of which 40 were members of the Special Purposes Company Association . “The Association members have grown into renowned manufacturers of arms and military equipment and reliable domestic and international supplier“, stated Mrs Kesić Šapić, who also informed that the Croatian military exports over the past two-year period reached 90%. In 2013 the military equipment exports totalled 200 mil USD, while in 2014 the manufacturers concluded the 115 mil USD deals with the Iraqui Ministry of Defence. Representing the Croatian Chamber of Economy Mrs Kesić Šapić extended the appreciation to the Defence Minister, Ante Kotromanović, for having recognised the potential of the Croatian defence industry and signed 50 mil kuna worth contracts with 22 equipment, gear and footwear manufacturers in January 2015..
The Deputy Director of the Exhibition, Lt. Col. Mikulić presented the basic facts and goals and the highlighted the importance of ASDA 15, which is taking place for the third time, organised,as previously, by the TNT Production Inc, specialised in organising the events of the kind.
The third ASDA is to take place in the Spaladium Arena facility (and in the Lora Navy Port) in Split, the host town, from 22-24 April 2015, under the auspices of the Government of the Republic of Croatia.
As many as 119 exhibitors (46 Croatian and 73 foreign) applied to present at the ASDA, some of them among the world’s top defence manufacturers.
The ASDA- 2013 assembled 106 exhibitors (51 domestic and 55 foreign businesses from 19 countries), and was visited by 28 senior officials from defence sector and their delegations.