The Belgian Ministry of Defense has reached another milestone in the development of its future F-35 capacities. A few days ago, a new set of deployable containers was delivered and installed for the first time at Florennes airbase. This infrastructure forms a central part of the comprehensive support system for the planning, preparation and execution of F-35 missions.
The high proportion of Belgian industry in this project is striking. The office and functional containers were designed and manufactured by Automation NV from Halle. Arcadis, which was already involved in the realization of the F-35 buildings in Florennes and Kleine-Brogel, was involved as a partner.
Key role of Belgian industry
“Automation is a Belgian, internationally active technology partner specializing in data center infrastructures and critical facilities for demanding and mission-critical environments,” explains CEO Jo Aelbrecht. With its SAFE (secure, autonomous, flexible, efficient) portfolio, the company develops prefabricated, modular data center solutions that are designed for rapid deployment, high availability and operational reliability.
The modular containers combine power supply, cooling, physical security and system integration in a scalable platform. They are specially designed for areas of application in which robustness, speed and operational continuity – for example in a military environment – are crucial. The design was developed within a few months in close coordination with the Ministry of Defense. The exceptionally short development time is the result of particularly efficient cooperation between industry and the armed forces.
Modular infrastructure with international appeal
The containers are fully modular in design and can be deployed in a reduced configuration or as a complete operational network as required. Based on the standard container principle, they can be deployed worldwide by land, sea or air – including with the A400M.
Particularly noteworthy are the special safety and shielding features, which – according to information from Belgium – no other F-35 user has to date. This has already attracted the interest of several NATO-countries, who are visiting Belgium to get an idea of the new infrastructure.
On the way to full operational readiness
The delivery is part of the comprehensive modernization of the Belgian Air Force. The procurement of the F-35 comprises far more than the aircraft themselves: It includes a complete combat system with infrastructure, logistics, maintenance and training.
As set out in the Strategic Vision 2025, this capability is to be further expanded in the coming years. The project also underlines the fact that the F-35 program not only strengthens military capabilities, but also creates measurable economic added value for Belgium – including through industrial orders, technological development and high-quality jobs.
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