For the first time, Belgium hosted Bedex, a trade fair entirely dedicated to the defence industry. Organised in Brussels, at the heart of Europe and close to the European institutions and NATO, this event brings together more than 200 exhibitors from 27 countries and highlights a strategic sector for security and the economy.
For the first time, Belgium hosted Bedex, a trade fair entirely dedicated to the defence industry. Organised in Brussels, at the heart of Europe and close to the European institutions and NATO, this event brings together more than 200 exhibitors from 27 countries and highlights a strategic sector for security and the economy.
Present at the event, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy David Clarinval and Minister Éléonore Simonet stressed the importance of supporting and strengthening the Belgian industrial ecosystem in this field.
For David Clarinval, the issue goes well beyond the purely military framework: “Today, Defence is also an economic, industrial and technological issue. Investing in this sector means supporting innovation, developing technologies, consolidating our industrial fabric and creating skilled jobs, while strengthening the competitiveness of our economy.”
Éléonore Simonet, for her part, highlighted the central role of Belgian companies, particularly SMEs, in developing the defence technological and industrial base. In Belgium, 83 companies are active in this sector, representing more than 16,000 jobs and nearly €5 billion in annual turnover.
Also present at the fair, Deputy President of the Walloon Government and Minister of Economy and Industry Pierre-Yves Jeholet recalled that Wallonia already has a solid ecosystem in defence and dual-use technologies. “Wallonia is not starting from scratch. We have cutting-edge companies, high-performing research centres and internationally recognised technologies. Our ambition is clear: for Wallonia to remain Belgium's industrial locomotive in the defence sector,” the minister emphasised.
For Pierre-Yves Jeholet, strengthening this industrial base is also an economic and strategic issue: “Investing in defence means supporting innovation, strengthening our industry and creating skilled jobs. Wallonia has every card in hand to play a major role in the European defence value chains.”
Bedex thus provides an important showcase for Belgian companies, allowing them to present their expertise, develop new partnerships and strengthen Belgium's position in the European defence ecosystem.