Theo Francken at defence fair BEDEX: “Those who want security must invest in technology, production and innovation”

Brussels is hosting the very first edition of the Brussels European Defence Exhibition & Conference (BEDEX) this week. Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken officially opened the international defence exhibition yesterday at Brussels Expo, together with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Prime Minister Bart De Wever, and several members of the federal and regional governments.

Over the course of three days, the event brings together defence stakeholders, industry leaders, government representatives and technology companies to address a key question: how can Europe better respond to growing security challenges? According to Defence Minister Theo Francken, the event demonstrates that Belgium can position itself as a strategic meeting hub for the European defence sector.

“As Minister of Defence, I’m truly proud that a fully fledged defence industry exhibition is taking place in our country,” said Theo Francken. “We must position ourselves as a strategic hub for defence in Europe and create a meeting place that encourages innovation and fosters new partnerships across the sector.”

More than 200 exhibitors

With more than 200 exhibitors and over 20,000 m² of exhibition space, the event is completely sold out. More than eight out of ten participants are SMEs, often highly innovative companies developing new technologies for defence and security.

“Tomorrow’s security will not be determined only on the battlefield, but also in laboratories, research centres and innovative companies,” said Defence Minister Theo Francken.

Defence showcases new capabilities

Belgian Defence is also a partner of the exhibition and is presenting its latest capabilities at a stand of more than 550 square metres. The five components — the Land Component, Air Component, Navy, Cyber Command and the Medical Service — are demonstrating how they are preparing for future security challenges.

According to Defence Minister Theo Francken, the war in Ukraine and rising tensions in Europe show that defence capabilities and industrial capacity are inseparable. “Europe must relearn how to produce what it needs to protect itself. Those who want security must also invest in technology, production and innovation. BEDEX shows that our defence industry stands ready to play its part,” Francken concluded.