Belgium’s Engine Hub Teams Up with Patria for a New Era

International defense corporation, Patria, has acquired full ownership of Belgium Engine Center SPRL (BEC) from AIM Norway, in a strategic move to strengthen BEC’s operations and capabilities. BEC functions as a military aircraft engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility, supporting the Pratt & Whitney F100 engine, which powers the F-15 and F-16 aircraft globally. The center also provides material management services for these engines. Based in Herstal, Belgium, BEC employs around 90 professionals.

This acquisition is a key component of Patria’s strategy, which emphasizes international maintenance and lifecycle support, particularly within Europe.

“The integration of BEC represents a significant achievement for Patria. Expanding our international maintenance operations is essential to our strategic goals. Patria has a long-standing heritage and extensive knowledge in aircraft maintenance, including engines, across Finland and the wider Nordic region. This acquisition enables us to further develop this sector. We are committed to maintaining the high-quality services at BEC and fulfilling the expectations of our customers. I would also like to warmly welcome BEC’s employees as they join Patria. I am optimistic that together we will enhance this initiative. Our combined expertise will render us more robust and competitive,” states Jukka Holkeri, President of Patria’s International Support Partnerships division.

“On behalf of BEC, we express our excitement in welcoming Patria as the new Nordic proprietor of our company. We look forward to collaborating and offering our clients even more expansive services in the future,” adds Hugo Vanbockryck, Managing Director of Belgium Engine Center.

This acquisition will not impact existing customer contracts, employment terms for BEC personnel, or any other organizational commitments and complies with all regulatory requirements.

Following this acquisition, the official name of BEC will change to Patria Belgium Engine Center SRL, and all branding will transition to the Patria identity. A transition phase lasting several months is planned to implement the Patria brand across this new entity.