The East Flemish company SME Euramec and UK-based company JD2E have signed a strategic cooperation agreement. They did so at the Belgian embassy in London on Monday. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in the defence and aviation sectors. The deal was signed during a two-day Flemish trade mission to the UK.
The Lokeren (East Flanders)-based company Euramec, develops advanced flight simulators, while JD2E offers specialised flight training services. The two companies have worked together in the past. The agreement signed in London cements the companies' aims to work more closely together around Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR).
JD2E will increasingly incorporate Euramec’s simulator systems into its training programs, while Euramec will be able to use JD2E’s software. Euramec CEO Bert Buyle told the press agency Belga that the collaboration also includes joint marketing efforts.
The partnership also provides Euramec with access to the UK market to markets in other Commonwealth countries. Mr Buyle also revealed that a project is already being discussed with the British Royal Airforce. He expects that the deal will see both companies grow by between 20% and 30% in the next 2 years.
Also present at the signing was the Flemish Prime Minister Matthias Diependaele (Flemish nationalist). Mr Diependaele is currently in London as part of a 2-day trade mission to the UK. He is attending the DSEI international defence fair in London. During the fair, a delegation of Flemish politicians and business leaders will meet with potential partners and investors.
Mr Diependaele will also visit Cambridge University today (Tuesday). There he will call for the construction of the Einstein Telescope in the Maas-Rhine region.