An operating platform, not a networking association
FADEC — the Flanders Aerospace and Defence Cluster — is a single, operational entry point that turns Flemish industrial capability into qualified positions on European aerospace, space and defence programmes. Industry-led, government-aligned, built to deliver measurable placement between 2026 and 2035.
The commercial window is open
- Allied defence spending is on a decade-long upward path towards the 3.5% core / 1.5% enabling framework, and EU instruments (EDF, EDIP, SAFE, ASAP) prioritise cross-border industrial consortia.
- Primes are re-shoring and consolidating supply chains: fewer suppliers, deeper scopes, longer contracts. Supplier slots awarded in 2026–2028 define positions for the following decade.
- Capital is available but selective — defence-capable funds, CVC and sovereign vehicles deploy where companies show programme traction, not just technology.
- Flanders holds the assets — aerostructures, composites, precision electromechanics, materials, photonics, logistics, AI — but the base is fragmented and largely invisible to prime procurement.
Named owners, defined mandates
Strategic Council Quarterly
Sets the 2026–2035 agenda and aligns cluster priorities with Flemish, Belgian, EU and NATO planning.
Investment Council Quarterly + rolling
Connects members to CVC, deep-tech VC, family offices, EIB/EIF and national strategic funds, with investor-readiness review.
Industrial Partnership Office Continuous
Brokers tier-1/tier-2 qualification and build-to-print / build-to-spec work packages with primes, plus bid teaming.
Export Accelerator Division Programme-based
Market entry, in-market agents, offset and industrial participation, third-country compliance screening.
Advisory Committees Every 6–8 weeks
Domain expert panels on standards, certification, skills, security of supply and dual-use rules.
Signature Annual Event Annual
Flanders' anchor convening moment for primes, capital, government and the supply base.
What FADEC does that a trade association does not
| Association model | FADEC model | Member consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Events and representation | Deal origination and matchmaking with named counterparties | Meetings that convert, tracked to contract stage |
| Newsletters and position papers | Programme intelligence with named platforms, tiers and timing | Bid decisions taken earlier, with better qualification |
| Introductions on request | Structured Partnership Office pipeline with quarterly reviews | Accountable pipeline, not ad-hoc favours |
| Grant signposting | Consortium construction, coordinator support, template legal pack | Fewer failed submissions; faster consortium closure |
| Trade-mission logistics | Export Accelerator with priority markets and in-market agents | Qualified buyer meetings, not stand duty |
Planning targets, 2026–2030
| Outcome | Baseline 2026 | Target 2028 | Target 2030 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Member organisations | 40 founding | 120 | 200 |
| Supplier qualifications with primes | — | 35 | 90 |
| EU / ESA consortia with Flemish lead or co-lead | — | 12 | 30 |
| Capital raised by members via Investment Council | — | €80m | €250m |
| Export market entries supported | — | 60 | 160 |
| Direct high-value jobs supported in Flanders | — | 450 | 1,200 |
Planning targets for the founding phase, reviewed annually by the Strategic Council against verified member reporting.
Governance
Industry-led, not-for-profit association under Belgian law, headquartered in Flanders with permanent Brussels representation towards the EU and NATO.
Public partners
Public partners hold seats on the Strategic Council and Advisory Committees without operational control; commercial brokering stays with the Industrial Partnership Office.
Funding & reporting
A mixed funding model supports delivery across the cluster. Annual public reporting covers placement, funding leverage, exports and jobs.