Article

Valonia, Belgium, has emerged as a specialized ecosystem in defense with approximately 200 companies and an estimated revenue of €5 billion, concentrating 67% of Belgium's defense employment. Two-thirds of its defense production is exported, primarily to Europe (71.3%).

Key players include FN Herstal and John Cockerill. Valonia's economic ties with Spain are strong, with a bilateral balance exceeding €21.8 billion in 2024, making Spain one of Belgium's main trading partners.

Ongoing collaborations include projects under the European Defense Fund, with 33 Belgian companies involved, and a strategic partnership in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) initiative. Recent visits by Spanish companies, including Indra and Sener, to Valonia highlighted opportunities for cooperation in areas such as aerospace and cybersecurity. The visit included tours of key industrial sites and B2B meetings to foster partnerships between Spanish and Valonian firms.