The Ulster Defence Association (UDA) is a loyalist paramilitary group in Northern Ireland, formed in 1971. It was established to defend the interests of the Protestant community during the period known as the Troubles, a conflict involving nationalists and unionists. The UDA has been involved in various violent activities, including attacks on nationalist communities. The UDA is associated with the Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF), its military wing, and has been designated as a terrorist organization by several governments. Over the years, the group has undergone changes, including attempts to transition into a political role, but it remains a controversial entity in Northern Irish history.