Safran Aero Boosters and BMT Aerospace will manufacture key components of the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, which powers the F-35 Lightning II.

Florennes AFB, October 13, 2025

As part of Belgium’s acquisition of fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets, an agreement was signed today between the Belgian government and Pratt & Whitney, an RTX company, manufacturer of the F135 engine that powers the F-35 Lightning II. The agreement was signed at the Jean Offenberg Air Base in Florennes during a ceremony to mark the arrival of the first Belgian F-35, in the presence of Eléonore Simonet, Minister for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, the Self-Employed, and PMEs, and Theo Francken, Minister of Defense. Minister Simonet replaced Minister David Clarinval, Minister of Employment, Economy, and Agriculture, who was detained for the ceremony.

This agreement strengthens Belgian industrial participation in the F-35 program, contributing to a significant economic return to Belgium. This agreement guarantees major industrial benefits for the aerospace sector in Belgium. On the one hand, it will enable Safran Aero Boosters to establish a production capacity for key components of the F-135 engine and, on the other, it will consolidate the partnership between Safran Aero Boosters and BMT Aerospace, which will jointly implement an innovative manufacturing concept for major engine components.

For several years, Safran Aero Boosters, based in Wallonia, and BMT Aerospace, based in Flanders, have been collaborating on a Research and Technology project aimed at developing advanced production capabilities for F-135 engine components. This partnership will be consolidated through the implementation of the strategic industrial project with Pratt & Whitney, highlighting the balanced cooperation between the two regions of the country.

These concrete industrial benefits underscore the government’s commitment to promoting the economic development of 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. It is the result of a joint and concerted effort by the Walloon Region, the Flemish Region, the Belgian Ministry of Defense, and the Federal Government (in the areas of Defense and Economy).

François Lepot, CEO of Safran Aero Boosters: “I would like to sincerely thank all the stakeholders who contributed to these major benefits for the Belgian industrial sector. This agreement illustrates the government’s strong political commitment to Belgian sovereignty and job creation. It signifies that the Belgian industrial sector will play a key and strategic role in the supply chain of this iconic aeronautics program.”

Benoit Reynders, CEO of BMT Aerospace: “By joining forces with Safran Aero Boosters and Pratt & Whitney, we are demonstrating how innovation and interregional cooperation can deliver world-class capabilities. For BMT Aerospace, this project not only strengthens our long-standing expertise in high-precision parts, but also guarantees sustainable industrial activity and skilled jobs in Flanders.”

Theo Francken, Minister of Defense: “Today, we are demonstrating that the economic return of the F-35 program extends beyond Lockheed Martin. Thanks to the partnership between Pratt & Whitney, Safran, and BMT, we are ensuring Belgian innovation in a key component: the F-35 engine.”

Eléonore Simonet, Minister for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, the Self-Employed and PME’s: “The SPF Economy will continue its efforts to ensure that Belgian companies, large and small, fully benefit from these long-term strategic partnerships. This framework, enshrined in the 2025 government agreement, meets a clear objective: to enable Belgium to maintain control of its critical technologies and capabilities while participating in major international defense programs. Our essential security interests are therefore the backbone of our industrial policy related to the F-35. It reforms both the country’s strategic autonomy and our industrial capabilities. This strategy is already bearing fruit. The contract signed today will enable us to work with innovative processes with a view to their qualification by Pratt & Whitney. These advances are not a coincidence; they are the result of strategic investments, a long-term vision, and a constant commitment to maintaining a solid defense industrial base. The F-35 program offers our engineers, technicians, and researchers the opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and position themselves at the forefront of a rapidly transforming sector. 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 desire to develop Belgium’s technological and defense industrial base, and our belief in the power of innovation. The budgetary effort translates into societal benefits for our companies; every euro invested acts as a lever for our industry, our 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.”