THEON Unveils State-of-the-Art Production Hub in Zaventem: A Bold Step into Europe

31 March 2026, Belgium – THEON International Plc proudly inaugurated its fully owned subsidiary, THEON Belgium, alongside a cutting-edge production facility in Zaventem. The event was honored by the presence of Belgian Minister of Defense, Theo Francken, highlighting a pivotal moment in the company’s ambitious European expansion strategy.

This new facility signifies a multi-million-euro investment and plays a crucial role in reinforcing THEON’s standing as a premier defense technology provider in Europe. With an expanding international footprint, the company is poised to excel in large-scale multinational programs.

At this facility, THEON will manufacture the advanced IRIS-C thermal imaging clip-on system for the Belgian and German Armed Forces, operating under the pan-European OCCAR IRCOD framework contract, which was signed in September 2025. The initial order is valued at approximately €50 million, with an embedded option that could reach around €150 million, primarily focusing on deliveries scheduled for 2026-2027. THEON anticipates that all options will be activated.

Since its establishment on 29 July 2025, THEON Belgium has forged collaborative agreements with top Belgian manufacturers in electro-optics, metals, and electronics. Philippe Mennicken, Deputy CEO and Business Development Director of THEON, remarked, “This investment not only bolsters local production but also enhances supply chain resilience, creates technology-driven jobs, and boosts European production capabilities. I take immense pride in returning to Belgium after 25 years abroad to contribute to the establishment of a state-of-the-art facility in my homeland.”

Christian Hadjiminas, Founder and CEO of THEON, emphasized, “The high-tech production hub at THEON Belgium in Zaventem integrates Belgium’s industrial expertise in thermal and digital technologies with our established electro-optical proficiency. By investing in Zaventem, we demonstrate the benefits of collaborative procurement programs that enhance Europe’s operational readiness while generating industrial value for Member States. This level of cooperation is essential for strengthening both our defense capabilities and industrial foundation.”

Theo Francken, Belgium’s Minister of Defense, remarked, “THEON’s investment in Zaventem significantly contributes to Belgium’s defense industrial landscape. Establishing local production capacity for IRIS-C in Belgium not only utilizes domestic resources but also fortifies Europe’s supply chain resilience and encourages closer defense collaboration across the continent.”