The companies signed the agreement on July 23 at the Farnborough International Airshow. It combines Sabena Engineering’s F-16 maintenance infrastructure in Belgium with Lockheed Martin’s technical expertise as the aircraft manufacturer.
Sabena Engineering has more than 50 years of experience supporting the F-16. The company also brings established depot infrastructure and a regional workforce with experience on the platform.
The planned model is designed for operators at different stages of F-16 service. It can support countries introducing the aircraft, expanding existing fleets or building in-country sustainment capability.
The framework will combine regional infrastructure with technical expertise, training and engineering support. The companies said the approach is intended to improve aircraft availability and mission readiness over the long term.
The agreement also extends cooperation to the F-16 Block 70/72. That gives the companies a framework to support both existing fleets and operators of the latest configuration.
“Across Europe and beyond, 29 nations fly the F-16 because it delivers the interoperability, trust and proven capability that come from operating a common platform,” said Mike Shoemaker, Vice President of Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin. “Together with Sabena Engineering, we’re expanding regional expertise to help customers maximize fleet availability, strengthen sovereign maintenance capabilities and keep their aircraft ready for every mission.”
The companies are also placing sovereign sustainment at the center of the proposed model. Operators could develop domestic technical capacity while retaining access to an established regional sustainment hub in Europe.
“For more than 50 years, Sabena Engineering has supported the F16 and developed a unique depth of expertise on the platform. This cooperation with Lockheed Martin allows us to build on that legacy and extend it to the latest Block 70/72 aircraft,” said Stéphane Burton, CEO of Orizio Group.
“Together, we are creating a flexible support framework that can help operators develop sovereign capabilities in-country while benefiting from access to an established regional sustainment hub in Europe. The ultimate objective is simple: delivering the expertise, training and support required to maximize fleet availability and mission readiness throughout the life of the aircraft.”
The letter of intent strengthens the existing relationship between Lockheed Martin and Sabena Engineering. The companies said support arrangements would be tailored to the requirements of individual F-16 operators.
Sabena Engineering provides maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade services for commercial and military aircraft. Its defense activities include support for the F-16, F-35, A400M, MQ-9B, PC-7 and C-130.
The company employs more than 900 people and operates from facilities in Belgium and Morocco. It also supports customers at international airports and military bases.
Sabena Engineering works with manufacturers including Lockheed Martin, Airbus Defence and General Dynamics. The new F-16 framework is intended to expand regional support while helping operators build long-term maintenance and technical capacity.
