NACE 30.3 – Manufacture of Air and Spacecraft | Public Tenders

Definition: NACE 30.3 covers the construction of aircraft, spacecraft and related equipment, including aeroplanes, helicopters, drones, satellites and rocket systems. The public sector — in particular armed forces and authorities — is the dominant contracting authority of this high-risk industry.

Legal basis: NACE Rev. 2 (Regulation (EC) No 1893/2006) · Last updated: April 2026

What does NACE 30.3 cover?

NACE 30.3 (Manufacture of air and spacecraft) classifies companies that build aircraft, helicopters, satellites and launch vehicles — an industry largely financed by state defence spending and space programmes.

Group 30.3 is broken down into the following classes:

Public contracting authorities are the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw), NATO bodies, ESA (European Space Agency), national space agencies (DLR, ALR), federal police (helicopter squadron) and civil aviation authorities.

Public Tenders: Scope of NACE 30.3

Aircraft and spacecraft procurement by the Bundeswehr and allied armed forces is among the largest and most strategically sensitive procurement decisions in Europe — Eurofighter, NH90, A400M and FCAS are examples of multi-decade procurement programmes.

Typical Contract Types

• Combat aircraft and multirole fighter aircraft: Eurofighter tranche, F-35 procurement, Tornado succession
• Transport helicopters: NH90, CH-47 Chinook for the Bundeswehr and allied forces
• Reconnaissance drones (UAVs): HALE drones (Heron TP), tactical UAVs for the Bundeswehr and border guard
• Federal police helicopters: EC135, H145 for the federal police helicopter squadron
• Satellite systems: Reconnaissance satellites (SARah, Helios successor), Bundeswehr communication satellites
• Training aircraft: Jet trainers, simulators for Bundeswehr pilot training

Thresholds and Procedure Types

Defence procurement in the aerospace area is regularly subject to Directive 2009/81/EC (Defence Procurement Directive) or fully exempt from general procurement law under Article 346 TFEU. International intergovernmental agreements (Government-to-Government, G2G) and FMS procedures (Foreign Military Sales) enable procurement outside classical tender procedures.

Relevant CPV Codes for NACE 30.3

Due to confidentiality requirements, many procurements are not published on TED. Information may be accessible via national defence procurement offices.

Who is NACE 30.3 relevant for in public procurement?

Public Contracting Authorities

The BAAINBw (Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support) is the principal contracting authority for Bundeswehr aircraft. The Federal Police procures helicopters for rescue, observation and special tasks. In Austria, the Federal Ministry of Defence (BMLV) procures military aircraft and helicopters. The ESA tenders space systems and launch vehicles Europe-wide.

Companies and Bidders

Defence aerospace companies operate under specific regulatory frameworks:

• Security clearance: Companies and employees require security clearances under the German Security Clearance Act (SÜG)
• Export control: BAFA approvals, ITAR compliance (International Traffic in Arms Regulations)
• EASA approval: For civilian and dual-use applications, Part 21 approval
• Military certification: NATO STANAGs, MIL-SPEC standards for defence contracts
• Industrial security clearance (ISÜ): For classified contracts at the SECRET level or higher

Frequently Asked Questions on NACE 30.3 and Public Tenders

Why are combat aircraft not tendered on TED?
Defence contracts relating to essential security interests can be exempted from EU procurement law under Article 346 TFEU. Many procurements run via Government-to-Government agreements or FMS procedures — in such cases there is no competition.

What is a G2G (Government-to-Government) procedure?
G2G agreements allow the procuring state to purchase directly from a foreign government (e.g. USA via FMS) or a state-owned supplier without conducting an open tender procedure. This is widespread for defence goods and where technology-transfer interests apply.

Can SMEs operate in aerospace procurement?
Yes — as subcontractors and suppliers for system integrators (AIRBUS, Leonardo, Rheinmetall). Contracting authorities often require disclosure of subcontracting, which opens up opportunities for SME suppliers.

NACE 30.3 in context: Section C and Division 30

• NACE C – Manufacturing: Parent section
• NACE 30.1 – Building of ships and boats: Authority ships, ferries, naval vessels
• NACE 30.2 – Manufacture of railway locomotives and rolling stock: Trains, metros, trams
• NACE 30.4 – Manufacture of military fighting vehicles: Tanks, armoured vehicles

Last updated: April 2026
All information is provided without guarantee. For legally binding advice, please consult a law firm specialising in public procurement law.