The Belgian Ministry of Defence has launched the Land Systems Logistic Support, or LS², a joint venture involving Thales, John Cockerill Defense and FN Herstal.
What Is the Land Systems Logistic Support Partnership?
Thales said Friday the new 20-year industrial partnership is aimed at ensuring fleet readiness, streamlining maintenance processes and introducing modernized support for Belgian Land Force vehicles and embedded systems, including IT, communications, and armament. The joint venture leverages the companies’ expertise in vehicles, armament, communications and information systems to provide integrated support for land force platforms. Thibault Lambrecht, CEO of John Cockerill Defense, will assume leadership of the partnership in early February.
“LS² is the alliance of three leaders in their field who, together, want to meet the essential need for maintenance in operational condition of Belgian Defense vehicles. LS² thus constitutes a pillar of sovereignty in the field of defense and a lever for the continued development of our activities in support of the armed forces,” said Renaudin.
What Is the Purpose of the Program?
Approved by Belgian Minister of Defence Theo Francken, the initiative is intended to strengthen Belgium’s technological and industrial sovereignty. The partnership will support local employment, sustain and develop national defense skills, and encourage long-term industrial investment, contributing to the nation’s role within a more integrated European defense framework.
“With LS², we demonstrate what Belgium is capable of when our defence industry joins forces. This is a first in our country: an integrated, all‑in‑one solution that elevates our vehicles to a higher level and strengthens the combat capability of our units. LS² proves that collaboration is not a compromise, but an accelerator. Our companies reinforce one another — and together, they reinforce our Defence,” said Francken.