A co-operation agreement signed with Feronyl, based in Mouscron, will explore wide-ranging proposals in areas of advanced manufacturing and engineering technology. The formal agreement is part of the European Eurofighter industrial offer to Belgium.

The two companies will also explore potential work on the Eurofighter Typhoon, including collaboration in research and development, engineering, testing and manufacturing domains related to two Belgian National Innovation Centres being proposed as part of the European proposal to meet Belgium's Essential Security Interests.

The agreement is part of a substantial Eurofighter industrial offer to provide longterm, sustainable industrial opportunities across Belgium, which include the establishment of the two centres, should Belgium select Eurofighter Typhoon to replace its existing F-16 fleet. It is envisaged Feronyl would become a founder member of the centers and help develop their scope of work.

Philippe Dedecker, CEO of Feronyl said: "This agreement offers opportunities on European Defense programs, we look forward to collaborate on development and manufacturing, the founding of the Innovation Centres is a big opportunity for Belgium. Feronyl had been working closely with Airbus and major subcontractors on various civil aircraft components as cockpit, cabin, wing slats and engine parts. We're now committed to further develop with the different partners in this European Eurofighter program.

The agreement comes after the Eurofighter partner companies, BAE Systems, Airbus Defence & Space, Leonardo, and MBDA, signed a joint agreement to support the establishment of the centres. It commits all the partner companies to supporting the centres, one in Flanders and one in Wallonia, if Eurofighter Typhoon is selected.

The UK Government, on behalf of the Governments of Germany, Italy and Spain, is leading the European Eurofighter Typhoon proposal, offering an advanced, European multi-role combat aircraft solution to replace Belgium's existing fleet of 54 F-16 aircraft.