ACCaP Program: Belgium Engine Center signs new MoU with Pratt & Whitney.

The Belgium Engine Center (BEC) hosted a media event to showcase the growing relationship between Pratt & Whitney (P&W) and BEC. This incremental business opportunity is being viewed positively in light of the decision of the Belgian Government to replace the aging fleet of 54 Belgian F-16s.

A USAF F-35A fighter jet in ADEX 2017, South Korea

The related Request for Government Proposal (RfGP), drafted by the Belgian Defence, includes in fact a section that emphasizes the importance of the protection of the national security interests and capabilities.

During the event, BEC and P&W signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore further collaborations on P&W’s military engine platforms in support of Belgium’s defined Essential Security Interests (ESI).

“For BEC, this event is a way to show to the community its leading place in the market as a unique center of excellence for military engine Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul and Upgrade (MRO&U)” said Hugo Vanbockryck, General Manager, Belgium Engine Center. “BEC is currently a full one-stop-shop for the Pratt & Whitney F100-220(E) engine and an overhaul center for the F100-229 variant, powering F15 and F16 fighter jets. This is an opportunity for us to fully develop our component repair capabilities also on the -229 variant, allowing the Belgium Engine Center to grow its footprint in the F100 MRO&U market. It will also create a technological bridge and prepare us for a competitive place for future military and commercial engine platforms.”

“We are glad to enhance our teamwork with BEC and to foster our fleet sustainment capabilities so that we can better serve our customers” said O Sung Kwon, Executive Director of International Business Development for Pratt & Whitney Military Engines. Moreover, we welcome the chance of strengthening Transatlantic cooperation in the field of Defense through a fruitful and meaningful relationship with the Belgian Industry”.

This MoU will also enable to strengthen the collaboration between P&W and AIM Norway, the mother company of BEC. AIM Norway has been designated by the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) as one of the Regional Depots for the F135 engine, powering the F-35.