Belgium signs service contract with Lockheed Martin aimed at supporting Belgian aeronautical industries to stand out in the F-35 market.

The Belgian Council of Ministers approved this Friday, March 31, the signing of a framework agreement with Lockheed Martin entitled “Industrial Participation Plan Memorandum of Understanding” (IPP MoU), which aims to deepen and broaden cooperation with Belgian industry in the field of production and support of the F-35 Lightning II system.

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F-35A Lightning II with Belgian Air Force markings (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)

Thanks to the signing of this framework agreement, Belgian companies will have the opportunity to participate on an equal footing in the supply chain of the F-35, thus strengthening their position in the international aerospace market and defense. Lockheed Martin will also organize an “Industry Day” event twice a year in collaboration with the Belgian industry, in order to promote cooperation opportunities and strengthen links between companies.

In addition, Lockheed Martin will provide valuable support to the Belgian industry by helping companies get in touch with the appropriate departments within the Lockheed Group, providing guidelines for bidding, and offering training on U.S. federal acquisition and defense regulations.

Lockheed Martin also undertakes to provide regular reports on the status of the opportunities offered by the framework agreement, thus allowing Belgian companies to receive feedback on their offers and to draw lessons for subsequent offers. The FPS Economy will ensure the monitoring and evaluation of the plan, in order to ensure the proper performance of the contract.

Ludivine Dedonder, minister of Defense: “This policy in favor of our companies echoes that implemented with the STAR Plan and in particular through the DIRS – Defence, Industry & Research Strategy, consisting in supporting companies as well as research centers in the Defense and dual technologies sector. It is a long-term ambition to keep technological innovation and expertise on our territory, essential components of our resilience and our independence. For each file related to the reconstruction of our Defense, I seek opportunities for national economic benefits, for a strong Defense, at the service of the population and anchored in the economic network.“

The Minister for the Economy welcomes this enhanced cooperation with Lockheed Martin, which strengthens the position of the Belgian industry in the field of aerospace and defense, and underlines the Belgian government's commitment to a balanced and beneficial industrial cooperation for all parties involved. Pierre-Yves Dermagne, minister of Economy: “Belgium can be proud of a credible experience acquired in particular with the F-16 program, the current generation of fighters. This contract aims to facilitate market access related to our next platform, the F-35. Thanks to this contract with the manufacturer, our ambition is to optimize the potential economic benefits in Belgium and to bring our companies linked to the F-16 into this new market.“

The amount of the contract fixed for three years financed by the FPS Economy is spread over two years. It amounts to EUR 1,512,000 in 2023 and EUR 738,000 in 2024.