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The agreement was signed at the Base aérienne Jean Offenberg in Florennes during a ceremony organized to mark the arrival of Belgium's first F-35 and in the presence of David Clarinval, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Employment and Economy and Theo Francken, the Minister of Defence.
With this agreement, we are underlining our commitment to strengthening Belgian industrial participation in the F-35 program, thereby contributing to a significant economic return for our country. This agreement ensures major industrial benefits for the aerospace sector in Belgium; firstly, it will enable Safran Aero Boosters to establish production capability of key components of the F135 engine and, secondly, it will consolidate the partnership between Safran Aero Boosters and BMT Aerospace, which will jointly implement an innovative manufacturing concept of the engine's major components. These industrial initiatives strengthen Belgium’s position in the value chain of the F-35 program.
For several years now, Safran Aero Boosters, based in Wallonia, and BMT Aerospace, based in Flanders, have been working together on a Research and Technology project aimed at developing advanced production capabilities for F135-engine components. This partnership will be further consolidated by the implementation of the strategic industrial project with Pratt & Whitney (prattwhitney.com), underlining the balanced cooperation between the country's two regions.
These tangible industrial benefits further underline the government's commitment to promoting economic development in the defense sector and job creation in Belgium. This progress builds on previous initiatives and represents an additional economic return within the broader framework of the F-35 program. They are the result of a concerted joint effort by the Walloon Region, the Flemish Region, the Belgian Ministry of Defense and the Federal Government (in the fields of Defense and Economy).
François Lepot, CEO of Safran Aero Boosters: "I would like to sincerely thank all the stakeholders that helped bring about these major benefits for the Belgian industrial sector. This agreement illustrates the government's strong political commitment to Belgium's sovereignty and job creation in the country. It means the Belgian industrial sector will play a key, strategic role in the supply chain of this iconic aircraft program."
Benoit Reynders, CEO of BMT Aerospace: " By joining forces with Safran Aero Boosters and Pratt & Whitney, we are demonstrating how innovation and cooperation between regions can deliver world-class capabilities. For BMT Aerospace, this project not only strengthens our long-standing expertise in high-precision parts, but also secures long-term industrial activity and skilled jobs in Flanders."
David Clarinval, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Employment and Economy: "The F-35 program is more than a military acquisition; it is a strategic investment in Belgium’s security, sovereignty, and industrial strength. It reinforces our commitment to transatlantic cooperation, our dedication to developing Belgium’s technological and defense industrial base, and our belief in the power of innovation. The budgetary effort results in societal returns for our companies; every euro invested acts as a lever for our industry, employment, and our economy. This new partnership between Pratt & Whitney, Safran Aero Boosters, and BMT Aerospace supports innovation, strengthens the competitiveness of our companies, and demonstrates the excellent cooperation with our American ally."
Theo Francken, minister of Defense: “Today, we are demonstrating that the economic return of the F-35 program extends beyond Lockheed Martin. With the partnership between Pratt & Whitney, Safran and BMT, we are ensuring Belgian innovation in an essential component: the F-35's engine.”
Safran is an international high-tech group operating in the fields of aeronautics (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space, and defense. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable, and accessible. Safran has operations on every continent, with 100,000 employees and sales of €27.3 billion in 2024. Working alone or in partnership, the Group holds leading positions in its core markets on a global and European level.
Safran Aero Boosters (safran-aero-boosters.com) designs, develops and produces low-pressure compressors (a subassembly of the aircraft engine), oil equipment and test cells for aerospace propulsion. The company equips most civil aircraft in service as well as the European launch vehicle Ariane. Safran Aero Boosters is a member of the Safran Group (F-67% of share capital). The other shareholders are the Région Wallonne (B-31%) and the Société Fédérale d’Investissement et de Participation (B-2%).
BMT Aerospace (bmtaerospace.com), a leading company in the manufacturing of Aerospace geared parts supporting all major Aircraft and Aerospace Engine companies. With its HQ in Belgium, BMT operates from Belgium, Romania and USA. BMT Aerospace gears, gearboxes, transmissions and actuators are raising standards throughout the global aerospace industry. BMT Aerospace is also a major player on Additive manufacturing applications and develops know-how and expertise to support Aerospace projects and innovation using that technology.
Contact: Eric Dauchy - BMT Aerospace
E: eric.dauchy[.]theconstellationgroup.eu.
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raphaelle.widart[.]safrangroup.com 
