The Belgian Council of Ministers on Friday approved a strategic partnership that paves the way for the Defence Department to work closely with local industry experts in maintaining the F-35A aircraft’s full capacity throughout its life span.
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said at a press conference following the government’s last meeting before the elections that the future contracts would contribute €66 million per year in economic returns, totalling some €2.7 billion over a 40-year period.
Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder explained that managing a highly advanced and complex weapon system such as the F-35A requires mastery over incredibly specific technologies within a strict security framework.
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The bulk of the F-35A's maintenance will be performed by military technicians. However, for some tasks, the Defence Department lacks the necessary specialists, expertise, and even specific tools to carry out comprehensive maintenance, modernisation and support.
These contracts will ensure that the Defence Department can fully utilise and maintain the complete capacity of the F-35A throughout its operational life, Minister Dedonder explained in a statement.
The contracts will cover four specific areas: information management systems; simulator maintenance; engineering and light support for major maintenance, repairs and upgrades; and training-system management support.
