Safran Aero Boosters and BMT Aerospace have signed an agreement to manufacture key components of Pratt & Whitney’s F135 engine which powers the F-35 Lightning II aircraft for the Belgian government.
"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," CEO of BMT Aerospace, Benoit Reynders, said.
This agreement has come as part of Belgium’s acquisition of fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets.
The agreement was signed at the Base aérienne Jean Offenberg in Florennes during a ceremony organised 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.
This agreement will enable Safran Aero Boosters to establish production capability of key components of the F135 engine and it will consolidate the partnership between Safran Aero Boosters and BMT Aerospace, which will jointly implement a manufacturing concept of the engine's major components.
"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," CEO of Safran Aero Boosters, François Lepot, commented.
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.