FAST Aerospace Srl is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Distretto Tecnologico Aerospaziale Scarl (DTA), marking the beginning of a strategic collaboration focused on the use and development of the Grottaglie Airport TestBed – one of the most advanced aerospace testing infrastructures in Europe.

The agreement outlines a shared intent to explore opportunities for joint activities in flight testing, ground operations, and technological development, leveraging Grottaglie’s unique assets to accelerate innovation in the aerospace sector. The site, located in Southern Italy, is already recognized as a national reference point for advanced aviation and future space access systems.

The MoU was formally signed on April 2, 2025, during a dedicated ceremony by Lorenzo Beggio, CEO and Co-founder of FAST Aerospace, and Dr. Giuseppe Acierno, President of DTA. Also present were key figures supporting the partnership: Luca Colombo, COO and Co-founder of FAST, and Mario Leonardo Erario, Stefano Guagnano and Silvano Capuzzo, all part of DTA Technical Staff.

“This agreement is a foundational step toward future testing and experimentation of FAST hardware,” said Dr. Beggio. “Grottaglie is not just a test site – it’s the ideal environment to bring new-generation aerospace systems to life. Together with DTA, we will enable faster, cleaner, and more autonomous access to high-speed flight and beyond.” Dr. Acierno declared that “We are pleased to make available to FAST Aerospace the technologies and expertise linked to the Grottaglie Test Bed – an infrastructure included in the National Research Infrastructure Plan (PNIR) and developed with resources provided by the Apulia Region. Its purpose” he continued, “is to offer, in an open, accessible, and non-discriminatory manner, facilities, equipment, and all other necessary tools to support research activities of national and international relevance for public and private users, as well as the scientific community.”

The collaboration with DTA builds upon FAST Aerospace’s growing ties with Southern Italy, following its win last September of the ESA BIC Brindisi prize at DigithON 2024 – a coaching program currently supporting the development of FAST’s UAV product roadmap. This network of partnerships reflects a clear strategy to develop and test cutting-edge aerospace systems directly within Italy’s most advanced innovation hubs, to reinforce Italy’s position in the strategic landscape of European aerospace.

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For further information on FAST Aerospace Srl and its initiatives contact:

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Dr. Alessandro Castelvetri

Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and Co-founder

a.castelvetri@fast-aerospace.com

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© 2025 FAST Aerospace Srl