Why Wallonia is establishing itself as Europe’s strategic and innovative defence ecosystem

Wallonia is boosting its international profile in a strategic sector: defence. With a long-standing industrial ecosystem that is innovative and closely linked to major European challenges, the region is positioning itself as a partner of choice for companies, investors and technology players active in defence and dual-use technologies. This ambition is currently being supported by an international digital campaign, broadcast notably on CNN International. Find out here the main reasons to invest in Wallonia in this promising sector. 

Wallonia has a long-standing history in defence technologies

Building on a strong industrial tradition, the region has successfully transitioned to cutting-edge, high-value-added technologies that address today’s challenges of sovereignty, resilience and international security.

Wallonia is home to 67% of Belgium’s defence industry, concentrated mainly around Liège and Charleroi. 

A key strength of Wallonia is its expertise in dual-use technologies. Solutions developed for defence are also used in civil security, crisis management, the space sector and critical infrastructure.
Conversely, innovations from the civilian sector (AI, data, cybersecurity) are adapted to military requirements.

A strategic location 

The region benefits from a unique geographical location at the heart of NATO and the European Union’s decision-making and command structures. This proximity includes, in particular:

•    NATO Headquarters in Brussels
•    SHAPE and strategic entities in Wallonia
•    Several space and cyber-related facilities
This positioning enables Wallonia to be fully integrated into international defence programmes and European supply chains. 
Another major asset is geographical concentration, as the entire value chain is accessible within 90 minutes, promoting speed, coordination and efficiency.

A comprehensive and structured innovation ecosystem

The Walloon industrial ecosystem covers the entire defence value chain:
•    Research and development (R&D)
•    Design
•    Prototyping
•    Production
•    Maintenance (MRO)
•    Systems integration

The regional industry is based on:
•    Over 200 companies active in defence, ranging from technology SMEs to major groups
•    National leaders (e.g. FN Browning, John Cockerill, Sonaca, SABCA…)
•    Partnerships with major international players (e.g. Thales, Safran, Leonardo, Naval Group, KNDS…)

This structure enables an ‘end-to-end’ capability, i.e. covering the entire industrial cycle, with a high degree of technological specialisation.
This integrated ecosystem and the proximity of companies to research centres, universities and competitiveness clusters enables a rapid transition from research to market, particularly as the region boasts testing, prototyping and technology validation facilities.

Strategic and distinctive technological fields

• Aerospace (sensors, advanced materials, embedded systems

I-care, Deltatec, ALX Systems, Sonaca, Safran, Thales, Flex Composite Group, Sensy Load Cells, EHP, Cenaero…

• Cyber defence and information systems security 

Cetic, Cyberwal, Nexova, Multitel,..

• Autonomous systems and robotics

Exail Robotics, ID2move, Thales,..

• Artificial intelligence and data processing

Thales, FN, Spacebel, IDDEA, Nexova,…

• Advanced materials and protection technologies

John Cockerill, Feronyl, Sobelcomb, BATS, GDtech, ATIMA-TPIL, Calyos, Schaeffler Aerosint,...

• Secure communications and defence electronics

Telespazio, Thales, Sonaca, Spacebel, Multitel..

These capabilities directly meet the needs of modern armed forces and comply with international standards (NATO, EU). 
Walloon companies are accustomed to working in multinational, secure and regulated environments, and the public authorities are implementing targeted funding schemes for R&D and innovation. 

All good reasons to choose Wallonia as your partner in developing the defence solutions of tomorrow.