Diplomatic Compass · Special Edition No. 6 · BEDEX 2026, Brussels Expo, 12–14 March 2026 · Published 17 March 2026 · By Hafsa M. Temsamani, PhD

Editorial

Belgium Emerging as a New Hub for Europe’s Defence Industry

“BEDEX is a success already — and it will only grow.”

Theo Francken, Belgian Minister of Defence

The inaugural Brussels European Defence Exhibition & Conference (BEDEX), held in Brussels from 12 to 14 March 2026, marks a milestone in Belgium’s evolving role within the Euro-Atlantic defence ecosystem. For the first time, the Belgian capital hosted a major international exhibition dedicated to the defence industry, bringing together defence companies, government leaders, policymakers, military officials and technology innovators from across Europe and the wider transatlantic community.

For decades, Brussels has stood at the heart of the Euro-Atlantic security architecture, hosting both NATO headquarters and the institutions of the European Union. The inaugural BEDEX reflects a parallel shift: Belgium’s ambition to complement its diplomatic centrality with a stronger presence in the defence industrial ecosystem supporting Europe’s security architecture.

The timing of the exhibition is particularly significant. The war in Ukraine has profoundly reshaped Europe’s security environment and accelerated defence investment across the continent. Most NATO Allies have now reached the Alliance’s benchmark of 2% of GDP on defence spending. At the NATO Summit in The Hague in 2025, Allies also endorsed the objective of increasing defence investment toward 5% of GDP over the coming decade, reflecting the scale of capability development and industrial expansion required to sustain long-term deterrence. As governments strengthen their military capabilities, the role of industry, technological innovation and production capacity has become central to sustaining security across the Euro-Atlantic area.

Within this evolving security environment, BEDEX brought together more than 200 companies from over 25 countries, reflecting the scale and diversity of today’s defence ecosystem. Major Belgian and European defence actors—including FN Herstal, John Cockerill Defense, KNDS, Safran and Airbus Defence & Space—participated alongside transatlantic industry leaders such as Lockheed Martin, RTX and General Atomics, illustrating the increasingly global and interconnected nature of contemporary defence and security.

During BEDEX, Diplomatic Compass held exclusive conversations with several key figures shaping Belgium’s evolving defence ecosystem, including Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken, BEDEX co-founder Joan Condijts, FN Browning Group CEO Julien Compère, and senior industry representatives such as Guillaume Pengam, Director for Armoured Vehicles at KNDS. The exhibition also provided an opportunity to engage with representatives from regional economic actors and emerging professional networks. Their perspectives offer valuable insight into how Belgium, Europe and the wider transatlantic defence community are navigating a period of profound strategic transformation.

Seen through this lens, BEDEX represents more than the launch of a new defence exhibition. It reflects Belgium’s growing ambition to position itself at the intersection of policy, industry and innovation at a time when the resilience, scale and technological edge of the defence industrial base are becoming critical pillars of Euro-Atlantic security.

Voices from BEDEX: Exclusive Conversations

Political Leadership: Theo Francken, Belgian Minister of Defence

Theo Francken described the inaugural BEDEX exhibition as an important milestone for Belgium’s defence ecosystem and a sign of the growing political momentum surrounding the country’s defence industry.

For the minister, the exhibition reflects Belgium’s ambition to strengthen the link between defence policy and industrial capability at a time when European allies are placing renewed emphasis on defence production and technological innovation.

BEDEX, the minister noted, plays a practical role in enabling cooperation across the sector.

“BEDEX serves two roles: signing contracts and networking. Companies need to know each other before they can work together.”

Beyond facilitating commercial agreements, the exhibition helps create the relationships that underpin long-term defence cooperation. In an industry characterised by complex supply chains and multinational programmes, sustained interaction between governments, armed forces and companies is essential to strengthening Europe’s defence industrial base.

Francken also highlighted the structural advantage of Brussels as the institutional centre of the Euro-Atlantic security architecture. Hosting both NATO and the European Union, the city offers a unique environment where policymakers and defence industry leaders can interact directly.

“We have officials from NATO and the European Union here. They don’t need to take a plane — they can meet the defence industry directly in Brussels.”

Looking ahead, the minister expressed confidence that BEDEX will continue to grow and consolidate its role within Europe’s evolving defence industrial landscape.

“BEDEX is a success already — and it will only grow.”

Theo Francken’s remarks ultimately underscore a broader transformation underway across Europe’s security architecture: the renewed recognition that a strong, innovative and resilient defence industrial base is an indispensable pillar of collective security.

Strategic Vision: Joan Condijts, BEDEX Co-Founder

Joan Condijts outlined the strategic ambition behind BEDEX and the role the exhibition seeks to play within the evolving European defence landscape.

For Condijts, BEDEX was conceived not merely as an industry exhibition but as a platform designed to connect the different actors shaping Europe’s defence ecosystem.

“The raison d’être of BEDEX is to be a bridge — a meeting place for European defence.”

That vision is closely tied to the unique position of Brussels itself. The Belgian capital functions simultaneously as the political centre of Belgium and as one of the world’s major geopolitical hubs, hosting both the European Union and NATO.

“Brussels is the capital of a country with a defence industry, but it is also one of the world’s major political centres, hosting the European Union and NATO.”

Within this setting, BEDEX aims to leverage Brussels’ institutional centrality by bringing together defence companies, policymakers, military authorities and economic stakeholders in the same strategic space.

“All the ingredients are here to bring together the producers, the decision-makers and the stakeholders of the defence sector.”

Condijts also pointed to the broader transformation underway across the Euro-Atlantic security environment. As governments across Europe increase defence investment and revisit long-term capability planning, the role of industry is becoming increasingly central to sustaining military readiness and technological innovation.

Within this evolving context, Belgium possesses a number of industrial strengths capable of benefiting from this renewed investment cycle. Established actors such as FN Herstal and John Cockerill already form key pillars of the country’s defence industrial base, while emerging companies and startups are increasingly active in areas such as drones and defence innovation.

“Belgium has many strengths to put forward. You see it here with the companies present.”

Another distinctive feature of BEDEX, Condijts noted, is the decision to open the exhibition to the public on its third and final day, 14 March — an initiative that remains relatively uncommon for defence exhibitions.

“Tomorrow we will open the exhibition to the public, which is quite rare for defence fairs.”

For the organisers, this approach also serves a broader objective: helping the public better understand the technological dimension of the defence sector and its contribution to security.

Looking ahead toward the end of the decade, Condijts expressed strong confidence in the long-term trajectory of the exhibition.

“We are only at the second day of this first edition, but the reactions are extremely positive. There is a lot of enthusiasm. By 2030, we will still be here — and with even more participants.”

Taken together, his remarks highlight BEDEX’s ambition to become more than a trade fair. By connecting industry, policymakers and defence stakeholders in Brussels, the initiative seeks to establish a platform where Belgium’s industrial capabilities and the broader transformation of Europe’s defence ecosystem increasingly intersect.

Industrial Power: Julien Compère, CEO, FN Browning Group

Julien Compère highlighted the importance of industrial resilience, technological excellence and trusted partnerships in responding to today’s evolving security environment.

“Delivering reliable solutions to meet the defence and security challenges of tomorrow.”

For Compère, hosting a defence exhibition in Brussels carries particular significance. As the city hosts both the institutions of the European Union and the headquarters of NATO, BEDEX reflects the growing role of Brussels as a meeting point between defence policy, industry and allied cooperation.

The exhibition also highlights the strength of Belgium’s defence industrial base. FN Herstal — the historic core of FN Browning Group — relies on a dense network of industrial partners and suppliers that reinforces resilience and security of supply for allied forces. Nearly 70 percent of its suppliers are based in Belgium, while around 90 percent are located within the Benelux–France–Germany region, illustrating the interconnected nature of Europe’s defence supply chains.

Today, FN Browning Group employs more than 4,000 people worldwide and operates more than 20 industrial sites across nine NATO member states, contributing to the development and production of defence and security solutions used by armed forces across the Alliance.

European Defence Industry: Guillaume Pengam, Director for Armoured Vehicles, KNDS

Guillaume Pengam, Director for Armoured Vehicles at KNDS, highlighted the growing role of industrial cooperation between French and Belgian defence companies.

Pengam explained that Belgian industry already plays an active role in programmes developed for the Belgian armed forces, with local companies contributing components, subsystems and industrial expertise to the production chain.

“This is not a French company selling to Belgium. It is a partnership with Belgian companies integrated into the programme.”

He highlighted that this cooperation includes partnerships with Belgian defence companies such as FN Herstal, whose systems and subsystems are integrated into vehicles developed within the programme.

According to Pengam, the objective is to progressively deepen this industrial integration by bringing additional Belgian suppliers into future programmes.

“In the future we want to integrate more Belgian suppliers, because Belgium has the skills and industrial capabilities to add value to the vehicles.”

Such cooperation illustrates how bilateral defence partnerships are increasingly translated into integrated industrial collaboration, strengthening both supply chains and Europe’s broader defence industrial base.

Beyond the bilateral partnership between France and Belgium, Pengam suggested that such cooperation could gradually expand within the broader European defence industrial landscape, as collaborative programmes continue to develop.

Strategic Themes

Belgium’s Defence Ecosystem

As the host country of the inaugural BEDEX 2026, Belgium placed itself at the centre of discussions on Europe’s evolving defence landscape. The opening ceremony convened NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, and Defence Minister Theo Francken, signalling the high-level political backing behind the initiative.

For decades, Belgium has been primarily recognised as the diplomatic centre of Euro-Atlantic security, hosting NATO headquarters and the institutions of the European Union. BEDEX, however, illustrated a growing political and industrial momentum in Belgium to position the country not only as a venue for strategic dialogue, but also as an active participant in the defence industrial landscape supporting Euro-Atlantic security.

This evolution is closely linked to Belgium’s changing defence posture. The country has reached the NATO benchmark of 2% of GDP in defence spending and, as a NATO Ally, has committed to a long-term trajectory of increased defence investment, reflecting the scale of resources required to sustain modern military capabilities.

During discussions at BEDEX, Theo Francken emphasised the importance of revitalising Belgium’s defence industrial base. For many years, only a limited number of companies were actively engaged in defence production. The government is therefore encouraging Belgian firms and entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in the defence sector and integrate more actively into European defence supply chains.

The exhibition floor reflected the diversity of Belgium’s defence ecosystem. Companies such as FN Herstal, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers, and John Cockerill Defence, specialised in advanced turret and weapon systems, illustrated the country’s longstanding industrial expertise.

The broader ecosystem was also represented by institutions supporting innovation, research and international partnerships, including the technology federation Agoria, the Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (AWEX) and the Royal Higher Institute for Defence, which contributes to strategic education and defence policy reflection in Belgium.

These Belgian actors appeared alongside major European and transatlantic companies participating in BEDEX, including KNDS, Safran, RTX, Lockheed Martin and General Atomics, highlighting the international and interconnected nature of today’s defence industrial ecosystem.

Belgium is also strengthening its institutional defence infrastructure. The construction of a new Belgian defence headquarters located opposite NATO headquarters in Brussels reflects the country’s intention to align its national defence structures more closely with the broader Euro-Atlantic security environment.

In this context, BEDEX illustrated how Belgium is positioning itself more actively within the defence ecosystem. By hosting its first defence exhibition and convening policymakers, industry leaders and international partners in Brussels, the country signalled an ambition to contribute not only to defence diplomacy, but also to the industrial and technological capabilities underpinning collective security.

The European Defence Dimension

Beyond the Belgian perspective, BEDEX also reflected a broader transformation underway across Europe’s defence landscape. The exhibition brought together European policymakers, defence companies and institutional actors at a moment when the continent is accelerating efforts to strengthen its defence industrial capacity.

As the host country, Belgium positioned itself at the centre of this emerging European defence ecosystem. By convening defence actors in Brussels — the political capital of the European Union and home to NATO headquarters — BEDEX created a platform where governments, industry leaders and institutional actors could exchange views on the future of Europe’s defence capabilities.

The exhibition floor itself illustrated this European dimension. Major defence companies and supply-chain actors from across the continent were present alongside Belgian firms, highlighting the increasingly interconnected nature of Europe’s defence industrial base. Companies such as FN Herstal, KNDS, Safran and John Cockerill demonstrated how European defence production increasingly relies on cross-border industrial partnerships and specialised technological expertise.

During discussions at BEDEX, Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence, highlighted the urgent need to strengthen Europe’s defence industrial capacity. Russia’s war against Ukraine, he noted, has exposed structural gaps in Europe’s ability to sustain large-scale military production, particularly in areas such as missiles, drones and air defence systems.

He also warned that Europe’s defence industry remains highly fragmented. “What we are facing in the defence industry is very much fragmentation,” Kubilius said, stressing that as Europe develops new capabilities it must also overcome this fragmentation to scale production and strengthen industrial cooperation.

More broadly, these discussions reflect a profound strategic shift taking place across Europe. The war in Ukraine — combined with rising geopolitical tensions — has pushed European governments to reassess long-standing assumptions about defence spending, industrial capacity and military readiness.

In this context, BEDEX offered a concrete illustration of Europe’s ongoing defence transformation. By bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and strategic institutions in Brussels, the exhibition highlighted the growing recognition that Europe’s security will depend not only on military capabilities but also on the resilience, scale and technological sophistication of its defence industrial ecosystem.

NATO at BEDEX

NATO perspectives featured prominently throughout BEDEX, reflecting the increasingly close interaction between Alliance security priorities and the defence industrial ecosystem gathered in Brussels.

At the official opening ceremony, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte addressed participants alongside Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Defence Minister Theo Francken.

In his remarks, Rutte underscored a reality that has become increasingly central to NATO’s strategic thinking: military capability ultimately depends on the ability of the defence industrial base to equip Allied forces. He also emphasized the urgent need for defence industry to accelerate production and technological innovation in order to sustain Allied security in a rapidly evolving strategic environment.

Beyond NATO’s political message delivered at the opening ceremony, the operational dimension of these challenges was further explored during discussions at BEDEX by Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, NATO Chair of the Military Committee. Admiral Cavo Dragone focused on the capabilities required to operate in increasingly complex and technologically integrated operational environments. A central element of his intervention concerned the development of integrated and layered defence architectures, combining sensors, interceptors and targeting platforms across multiple defensive layers.

Discussions during BEDEX also reflected the growing strategic importance of space as an operational domain, where communications, navigation and surveillance capabilities have become essential components of modern military operations. Ensuring the resilience of these systems — across both military and civilian infrastructures — is therefore becoming an increasingly important dimension of collective security.

Seen in a broader strategic context, the themes discussed at BEDEX mirror the evolution of NATO’s defence agenda in recent years. The Alliance’s Strategic Concept adopted in 2022 already identified resilience, technological innovation and defence industrial capacity as key components of NATO’s long-term security posture.

Since the war in Ukraine, these priorities have taken on renewed urgency. The conflict has demonstrated that sustaining military capability requires not only operational readiness but also the industrial capacity to replenish equipment, scale production and adapt technologies throughout prolonged conflict cycles.

The timing of the exhibition is therefore particularly significant. Russia’s war against Ukraine has profoundly reshaped Europe’s security environment and accelerated defence investment across the continent. Most NATO Allies have now reached the Alliance’s benchmark of 2% of GDP on defence spending, marking a historic shift for many European countries that for decades spent well below this level. At the NATO Summit The Hague 2025, Allies went further by endorsing the objective of moving toward 5% of GDP in defence investment over the coming decade, reflecting the scale of military capability development and industrial expansion required to sustain long-term deterrence.

By bringing together political leaders, military officials and defence companies in the same city that hosts NATO headquarters, BEDEX highlights Brussels’ growing role as a meeting point between strategic decision-making and the industrial ecosystem supporting collective defence. This dynamic will continue to shape discussions in the months ahead, including at the upcoming NATO Summit Ankara 2026, where a NATO Defence Industry Forum is expected to further strengthen cooperation between Allied governments and the defence industrial base.

The Future of Warfare

Beyond the political, industrial and institutional discussions, BEDEX also offered a glimpse into the evolving character of warfare. The exhibition floor and the strategic debates held during the event reflected how defence is increasingly shaped by technological innovation, industrial scalability and multi-domain military operations.

Historically, military operations were primarily organised across three domains: land, maritime and air. Today, however, the operational environment has expanded significantly. Within NATO doctrine, military operations now extend across five domains — land, air, maritime, cyber and space — reflecting the growing importance of digital infrastructure, satellite systems and information superiority in modern conflict.

During discussions at BEDEX, Theo Francken pointed to the lessons emerging from recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East. These conflicts have demonstrated the growing centrality of missiles and drones, which are increasingly shaping the battlefield through precision strikes, persistent surveillance and large-scale deployment.

From NATO’s operational perspective, this transformation requires new defensive architectures. Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone emphasised the importance of integrated and layered defence systems capable of linking sensors, interceptors and command platforms across multiple domains.

Artificial intelligence is also expected to play a growing role in this transformation. As highlighted during the discussions, AI technologies are increasingly relevant for battlefield awareness, targeting systems and operational decision-making, allowing armed forces to process large volumes of data and respond more rapidly to evolving threats.

The exhibition itself illustrated how the defence industry is adapting to these developments. From advanced weapon systems to emerging technologies such as autonomous systems, drone capabilities and AI-enabled platforms, BEDEX showcased how companies are responding to the technological demands of future conflict.

Perspectives from the Wider Ecosystem

Beyond the exclusive conversations held during BEDEX, Diplomatic Compass also exchanged with organisations contributing to the broader policy, industrial and economic ecosystem surrounding international security.

Transatlantic Industry Perspective: RTX. From a transatlantic industry perspective, RTX highlighted to Diplomatic Compass that the inaugural edition of BEDEX signals Belgium’s growing ambition to strengthen its defence ecosystem while deepening cooperation with international partners. The company underlined the importance of transatlantic industrial collaboration as Europe reinforces its defence industrial base, noting RTX’s extensive presence across Europe and its contribution to advancing interoperability and technological innovation across Allied defence systems.

Regional Economic & Industrial Perspective: AWEX. In a conversation with Diony Mwenge from Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (AWEX), the role of regional economic diplomacy in supporting Belgian companies engaging with international markets was highlighted. AWEX emphasised the importance of facilitating partnerships and export opportunities for Belgian industry within the evolving defence ecosystem.

Emerging Policy Community Perspective: YPFP. In a conversation with Adam Nilsson, Managing Director of Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP), Diplomatic Compass explored the role of professional networks in connecting emerging policy talent with the strategic debates shaping global security. YPFP’s growing community across Europe and the transatlantic space illustrates how next-generation policy professionals are increasingly integrated into discussions on defence, diplomacy and international security.

Key Strategic Takeaways from BEDEX

The inaugural edition of BEDEX 2026 highlights several structural trends shaping the evolution of the Euro-Atlantic defence ecosystem. Discussions held in Brussels illustrate how defence policy, industrial capacity and technological innovation are becoming increasingly interconnected across NATO and Europe.

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Final Reflection

Covering this inaugural edition of BEDEX offered me a valuable opportunity to engage directly with government leaders, policymakers, industry managers and experts shaping today’s defence landscape. I am grateful to those who generously shared their time, perspectives and insights during these three days in Brussels. The exchanges held throughout the exhibition reflect the depth and diversity of the conversations currently shaping the Euro-Atlantic security debate. I look forward to continuing to explore these developments and the evolving dynamics of the defence ecosystem in the months ahead.

Thank you for reading this special edition of Diplomatic Compass dedicated to BEDEX 2026.