BDLI – Bundesverband der Deutschen Luft- und Raumfahrtindustrie

The Bundesverband der Deutschen Luft- und Raumfahrtindustrie e.V. (BDLI, German Aerospace Industries Association) is a registered association based in Berlin. It represents the German aerospace industry towards politics, authorities and associations in Germany and abroad and provides services for its members. Its more than 300 member companies range from start-ups and mid-sized suppliers to technology companies, service providers and system manufacturers; the German Bundestag lobby register lists 305 members as of March 2026. BDLI is a member of the European umbrella association ASD and of the Federation of German Industries (BDI), and it owns the ILA Berlin brand.

The association is organised around four core areas: aviation, defence & security, space, and equipment & materials. According to BDLI, the industry it represents generated around 62 billion euros in revenue in 2025 and directly employs about 130,000 people. Its president is Dr. Michael Schöllhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space; the vice president for defence & security is Oliver Dörre, CEO of Hensoldt. The chief executive is Marie-Christine von Hahn.

Unmanned aviation and counter-drone systems are a recurring topic. Together with the German air transport association BDL, BDLI initiated the Verband Unbemannte Luftfahrt (VUL). In September 2025 it published a five-point plan for drone defence with UAV DACH, calling for a national counter-drone task force, a short-term procurement programme for cost-efficient systems for the Bundeswehr, joint European procurement, better equipment for civilian security authorities and clearer legal responsibilities.