Adriaan Gerard Z.

Founder & CEO | Building Europe’s Next Defence Industrial Platform | Defence Manufacturing | C-UAS | Ammunition | Autonomous Systems

Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands

About

Founder & CEO | Artillerie Inrichtingen Armaments (AIA) I founded Artillerie Inrichtingen Armaments with a clear mission: to help strengthen Europe’s defence industrial base by building the technologies, manufacturing capacity and strategic partnerships required for the next generation of defence capabilities. AIA develops, integrates and manufactures advanced ammunition, counter-UAS systems, autonomous platforms, loitering munitions and weapon systems, while investing in the industrial infrastructure needed to produce these capabilities at scale. My focus extends beyond products. Europe’s defence challenge is no longer innovation alone — it is the ability to manufacture, integrate and deliver operational capability rapidly and reliably. Through close cooperation with governments, armed forces, OEMs, research institutes and international partners, we work to accelerate defence innovation while strengthening sovereign production capacity and long-term industrial resilience. I am interested in connecting with defence leaders, government organisations, industry partners and investors who share the ambition of strengthening European and allied security through innovation and industrial capability.

Experience

  • Chief Executive Officer at Artillerie Inrichtingen Armaments B.V. ( A.I Armaments BV)
    Jun 2021 - Present · 5 yrs 2 mos

    Founded Artillerie Inrichtingen Armaments to rebuild and expand strategic defence manufacturing capacity in the Netherlands and Europe. AIA focuses on advanced ammunition, energetics, counter-UAS systems, autonomous platforms, loitering munitions, weapon systems integration and defence manufacturing infrastructure. Key focus areas: • Building scalable defence manufacturing capacity • Developing and integrating next-generation defence systems • Establishing strategic partnerships with OEMs, governments and research institutes • Strengthening European and NATO defence industrial resilience • Translating operational requirements into deployable capabilities

  • Chief Executive Officer at AIA Systems BV
    Mar 2025 - Present · 1 yr 5 mos

    R&D Innovations , Design, production & sales of UAS and C-UAS and unmanned systems. Sales & assembly production under license through localized distribution partners. Management of AIA Systems in Ukraine, Training and Education Programs.

  • Group CEO at Nostromo LLC
    Jun 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 2 mos

    Nostromo provides innovative and cost-effective solutions. We develop cutting edge advanced concepts, and provide services to include engineering, aeronautics and aeroballistics. Our team has hands-on experience developing and fielding munitions, control systems, system engineering, fire controls, UAVs, missiles and rockets. Nostromo has a strong multi-disciplinary background with experience in international programs, technology transfer, testing, product certification, and associated teaming and contracting relationships.

  • Chief Executive Officer at AIA-REAS Ordnance and Tactical Systems B.V
    Oct 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 10 mos

  • Chief Executive Officer at Artillerie Inrichtingen LLC
    Jan 2014 - Present · 12 yrs 7 mos

    Small Arms and Ammunition Engineering and Mnfr for Defense Industry