Belgium’s Wallonia Targets Defense Market as AWEX Pushes Regional Firms Into Military Industry.

Belgium's Wallonia export and investment agency AWEX is increasing its support for Belgian companies seeking to enter the global defense market as demand for modern military equipment rises. The move reflects a wider European push to expand defense production capacity amid growing security concerns and increased military spending.

Belgian Wallonia’s export and investment promotion agency AWEX is intensifying its focus on the defense sector as growing global demand for modern military equipment opens new industrial opportunities for regional companies in Wallonia, Belgium, seeking to enter the defense market. The initiative reflects a broader shift across Europe as governments accelerate defense spending and industrial capacity in response to evolving security threats and the need to modernize armed forces.

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Pascale Delcomminette, CEO of the Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (AWEX), speaks with Alain Servaes, CEO of Army Recognition Group, during an interview at the Army Recognition Group Studio, Official Web TV of BEDEX 2026, discussing AWEX’s strategy to support Walloon companies entering the defense sector and integrating into international military supply chains. (Picture source: AWEX)

The AWEX strategic direction was highlighted during an interview at BEDEX 2026, held at the Army Recognition Group Studio, the Official Web TV of BEDEX 2026, where Pascale Delcomminette, CEO of the Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (AWEX), discussed the agency’s growing engagement in the defense sector. Speaking with Alain Servaes, CEO of Army Recognition Group (ARG), Delcomminette explained how AWEX is working to support Walloon companies seeking to expand into defense markets and integrate into international military supply chains.

AWEX demonstrated this ambition directly at the BEDEX 2026 defense exhibition in Belgium, where the agency organized a collective presence bringing together 17 Walloon companies. Most of the participating firms originated in the civil manufacturing and advanced technology sectors, underscoring the growing interest among regional industrial players in entering the defense market. According to discussions held during the exhibition, several of these companies are actively exploring defense opportunities and are seeking support from AWEX to navigate certification requirements, procurement frameworks, and partnerships with established defense contractors.

The presence of these companies at BEDEX highlighted the dual-use nature of many Walloon industrial capabilities. Firms specializing in precision machining, aerospace components, electronics, simulation technologies, cybersecurity solutions, and advanced materials increasingly recognize that their expertise can be adapted for military applications. Through its export and investment support programs, AWEX aims to facilitate this transition by connecting regional companies with international defense primes and government procurement networks.

The defense aerospace sector represents one of the most immediate opportunities for the Walloon industry. Modern air forces are expanding fleets of combat aircraft, unmanned aerial systems, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms, generating strong demand for avionics, sensors, propulsion components, and advanced structural materials. Companies already involved in civil aviation supply chains could therefore expand into defense aviation programs, including drone production, aircraft maintenance, and subsystem manufacturing.

Ground combat systems also represent an important entry point for regional manufacturers. NATO allies are increasing production of armored vehicles, artillery systems, and precision munitions to replenish stockpiles and reinforce deterrence capabilities. These programs require a broad range of industrial contributions, including mechanical assemblies, electronic subsystems, targeting optics, and specialized protective materials.

Beyond economic development, strengthening the defense industrial ecosystem has direct strategic implications. European governments are increasingly concerned about supply chain resilience and the ability to sustain high-intensity military operations. The war in Ukraine has highlighted the scale of industrial output required to maintain ammunition stocks, armored fleets, and advanced weapon systems during prolonged conflict. Integrating additional regional suppliers into the defense manufacturing base can therefore help expand production capacity and improve supply security across NATO and Europe.

AWEX’s support role includes organizing international trade missions, facilitating industrial matchmaking, and assisting companies with compliance with export regulations and military certification standards. These efforts are particularly important for small and medium-sized enterprises that possess advanced technical expertise but limited experience with defense procurement processes.

The initiative also aligns with broader European policies aimed at strengthening the continent’s defense, technological, and industrial base. Programs supported by the European Defence Fund and multinational capability projects increasingly encourage cross-border industrial participation. Walloon companies that successfully adapt to defense requirements could therefore contribute to future European programs involving unmanned systems, advanced sensors, and next-generation battlefield technologies.

The strong participation of regional companies at BEDEX 2026, combined with AWEX’s strategic engagement, indicates that interest in the defense sector is growing rapidly within Wallonia’s industrial ecosystem. As global defense markets expand and military modernization accelerates, the region could emerge as an increasingly important contributor to Europe’s defense supply network, while offering Walloon companies access to a strategically vital, technologically demanding industry.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.