BEDEX 2026: Kongsberg signs LoIs with Belgian companies for GBAD co-operation

Norwegian NASAMS test firing. (Kongsberg)

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA) signed letters of intent (LoIs) with three Belgian companies for ground-based air defence (GBAD) co-operation on the first day of the Brussels European Defense Exhibition and Conference (BEDEX) held from 12 to 14 March. The three companies are Intersoft Advionics, Sioen Industries, and Feronyl.

Feronyl said in a press release on 12 March that the LoI “establishes a shared commitment to explore long-term collaboration in the production and development of advanced defence systems, with a particular focus on air-defence technologies within KDA's portfolio – most notably the NASAMS”, referring to the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System. Feronyl CEO Bruno Dedecker told Janes after signing the LoI that his company could produce mechanical subcomponents for NASAMS.

Advionics provides high-tech electronics and avionics, offering radio frequency engineering, radar and antenna systems, advanced avionics development, and non-rotating identification friend-or-foe technology.

The company said in a press release on 12 March that the three-year, extendable LoI includes joint exploration of long-term co-operation opportunities; exchange of technical expertise in air defence and related fields; and adherence to existing commitments on confidentiality, ethical business practices, and export control. The agreement is non-binding but forms an important framework for continued discussions and potential future contractual collaboration, according to Advionics.

A Sioen representative said at the signing of the LoIs that his company could provide camouflage nets.

Belgian Minister of Defence Theo Francken said on Facebook on 12 March that the three Belgian companies would provide camouflage, electronics, and key components not only for Belgian NASAMSs but also for the entire Kongsberg supply chain.

He reaffirmed Belgian plans to procure NASAMS during a pre-BEDEX reception on 11 March, an industry source who attended told Janes after the LoI signings.