Distretto Tecnologico Aerospaziale d'Abruzzo

Distretto Aerospaziale d'Abruzzo, known as DAAB, is an aerospace industry association in Abruzzo, Italy, based at the Fucino Space Centre in Ortucchio, that links companies, universities and research centres.

DAAB was launched in June 2025 by Leonardo, Telespazio and Thales Alenia Space Italia, working with the Abruzzo regional government. It now brings together more than 50 organisations. These include large companies, small and medium firms, universities and research centres. Together they represent more than 3,000 professionals across the region.

The district aims to turn skills, industry vision and research into a shared project for aerospace in Abruzzo. It wants to strengthen the regional aerospace supply chain, speed up innovation and add value for local industry. It also promotes technology transfer, open innovation and highly skilled jobs. Its vision is to make Abruzzo a national and international hub for aerospace technology. Its mission is to help industry, research and public bodies work together, attract investment and build skills through training.

The members cover four broad technology groups. The first is advanced systems and components, such as microelectronics, circuit boards, precision mechanics, propulsion, batteries and sensors. The second is space platforms and infrastructure, including drones, unmanned systems, small and large satellites, payloads and scientific instruments. The third is digital technology, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud and edge computing, augmented and virtual reality, and data analysis. The fourth is communication, control and new materials, which covers radio frequency and microwave, optics, secure communications, space robotics, composites and nanomaterials.

The district describes six areas where its technology is used. These are Earth observation and remote sensing, autonomous navigation, secure telecommunications, security and critical infrastructure, sustainable mobility and advanced air mobility, and farming and livestock.

DAAB also runs a members area and a candidate area, and it publishes news and a brochure about its work.

Services

• Aerospace industry networking
• Technology transfer
• Open innovation
• Training and skills development
• Investment attraction
• Member services
• Industry and research collaboration