Flanders Investment & Trade boosts support for Flanders-based companies active in the defense industry
Paris, 19 June 2023 – This year, Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) is increasing support for Flanders-based aerospace companies active in the defense industry. Flanders Minister-President Jan Jambon and FIT CEO Joy Donné announced this today on Flanders Day at the Paris Air Show. The Paris Air Show is by far the world's most important event for the aerospace industry and a must for companies with international ambitions. Minister-President Jan Jambon, FIT CEO Joy Donné and Agoria Flanders General Manager Jolyce Demely are visiting the fair together for the first time. In doing so, they underline the political and strategic importance of this highly export-oriented growth sector in which military applications are also becoming increasingly important.
With 27 exhibitors, including 9 newcomers and a few start-ups, Flanders’ presence at the Paris Air Show has never been larger. Several new technologies showcased by Flanders-based companies have a lot of potential in both civil and military uses. The strong growth in military applications is particularly striking.
The current context – characterized by increasing geopolitical conflicts, international crime and cybersecurity risks – is generating significant investments in the defense and security industry worldwide. Production is stepped up, stocks are replenished, the striking power of national armed forces is increased, and friendly countries are supplied. Belgium and the EU are also strengthening their defense capacity. The defense industry is being totally transformed: more and more resources are channeled to cutting-edge technology and highly accurate applications, big data and AI. In addition, there is a significant crossover with other applications such as cyber(security), robotics/autonomous behavior, earth observation, satellite communication, big data, augmented reality, gaming (training), smart textiles, .... The potential is therefore high.
"In order to meet the defensive challenges and at the same time guarantee the resilience and competitiveness of our economy in Flanders, we must support the sector proactively. For our companies that play an important role in international high-tech supply chains, the growth potential is high. The sector also has a great social value in terms of defense and security. The strategic importance of this industry cannot be underestimated: it is the engine of innovation and a driver of economic added value and employment in Flanders."
"Alongside purely civilian applications, military uses are gaining more and more ground. Starting this year, FIT is also proactively supporting the military activities of our Flanders-based companies, in addition to the civilian applications. FIT does this on multiple fronts: by supporting Flanders-based exporters and attracting R&D-driven foreign investors from the sector that strengthen our economic fabric. Through Startup.Flanders, we also support start-ups in the military sector in a more targeted way, by helping them to expand into international markets."
"We are delighted to see that the Government of Flanders and FIT are once again paying attention to this sector. After all, the security and defense industry in Flanders constitutes a broad and high-tech sector with products for both civil and military uses. We would also like to take this opportunity to reiterate the need for an ambitious research and development plan for security and defense, in true partnership between the government, research institutions and the industry."
In order to increase their visibility and positioning within the international defense and security industry, FIT will also offer Flanders-based companies the opportunity to showcase their products, services and technologies at world trade fairs such as the Dubai Airshow in November 2023, Singapore Airshow in February 2024 and Farnborough International Airshow in July 2024.
About Flanders' Day on and around the 'Belgian Aerospace' pavilion
Just like for the previous editions – the 2021 edition was canceled due to COVID-19 – Flanders Investment & Trade and Awex, in close collaboration with Agoria, SkyWIN Wallonie/EWA and BAG, had the interregional 'Belgian Aerospace' pavilion built. With a total stand area of 1275 m² and 76 exhibitors, the Belgian pavilion, flagship of the Belgian aerospace industry, is not only the largest Belgian pavilion ever at Le Bourget, but at any aviation fair worldwide. It is also among the top 10 most strongly represented countries at Le Bourget.
On 19 June, the Flanders delegation, led by Minister-President Jan Jambon, takes a tour of exhibitors and representatives from Belgium, visits the outdoor exhibition and the 'Paris Air Mobility' drone hall.
FIT
Minister-President of the Government of Flanders Jan Jambon, CEO of Flanders Investment & Trade Joy Donné and Agoria Flanders General Manager Jolyce Demely are visiting Paris Air Show on June 19 2023. They announce a boost in support for Flanders-based companies active in the defense industry.
