The Defence and Security Industry Association of the Czech republic (AOBP) brings together companies engaged in research, development, production, trade and marketing of defence and security equipment, materials and services. It is a non-governmental, independent, non-political, non-profit and non-commercial organisation founded in 1997. Since its establishment, it has been a respected and recognised partner of the Government of the Czech Republic, the Ministries of Industry and Trade, Defence, Interior and Foreign Affairs, with whom it has signed several cooperation agreements.