Arquus deploys its VT4 and remote-controlled turret training at Campus Cockerill
June 16th 2025
Since Arquus joined John Cockerill Defense eleven months ago, the two companies have continued to serve the armed forces, drawing on their industrial strengths and shared values. Arquus’ progressive integration reinforces John Cockerill Defense’s commitment to developing innovative solutions, strengthening Franco-Belgian ties and contributing to the sovereignty and resilience of both countries’ defense capabilities. This is taking shape through operational collaborations at various industrial sites. In Commercy, on the Campus Cockerill in France, synergies are being developed through the rollout of training on the VT4 and the Hornet remote-controlled turret.
Produced by Arquus and delivered to the French armed forces in nearly 4,400 units over seven years, the VT4 has established itself as one of the iconic 4x4s of French tactical mobility. With an operational availability rate of over 95%, it benefits from a proven support system based on a network of 312 dealerships spread across the country to carry out preventive and corrective maintenance operations. The expertise and commitment of the maintenance technicians play a key role in maintaining this level of performance.
To reinforce this organization, Arquus has been rolling out an ambitious training programme for maintenance engineers since 2019. More than 49 sessions have been organised for 349 technicians in the fields of maintenance and diagnostics. Updated in 2023 to better meet the needs of the field, the training programme now includes new modules dedicated to electricity/diagnostics, mechanics, warehousing and administrative management of VT4 technical incidents. These developments now enable dealerships to operate with greater autonomy and efficiency.
Since January 2025, four training sessions have been delivered at the Group’s Campus Cockerill training site, lasting a total of sixteen days. These training courses consisted of two sessions on the electricity and diagnostics module and two sessions on the mechanics module. Trainees were able to take full advantage of modern facilities designed for learning and skills development.
Organised at the Commercy site in the Meuse region, these training courses are a concrete example of Arquus’ integration into John Cockerill. They reflect a shared desire to strengthen industrial synergies and establish an effective training ecosystem for the armed forces.
Tests carried out at the T1 Hornet turret firing range
Developed and produced by Arquus, the Hornet turret range has been approved by the French Army as part of the SCORPION programme. These new-generation weapons are fitted to the GRIFFON and JAGUAR, the Army’s two new vehicles.
These test campaigns were conducted in two stages. First, training dedicated to the implementation of the Hornet T1 turret was provided to John Cockerill teams (firing director and trainers). The training covered the interfaces and controls of the gunner’s station, the start-up of the TTO, and the architecture and operation of the TTO and Galix. This training was supplemented by hands-on experience with the GRIFFON and its manoeuvrability on flat surfaces to gain a better understanding of the vehicle. Subsequently, firing tests with 7.62 calibre ammunition at distances of up to 600 m were carried out on a 135-hectare firing range. These various firing tests are part of the development of new functions for the Hornet TTO related to anti-drone warfare.
Beyond this sequence, these tests demonstrated the perfect synergy between the Arquus and John Cockerill Defense teams in having a dedicated firing range offering extensive capabilities and supported by a firing director guaranteeing proven logistical organisation in a pyrotechnically safe environment. Given these findings and the recurring difficulty of finding available firing ranges in our country, this approach should be continued for future tests.
The Defence Label Committee visits the Campus facilities
On 3 and 4 March, the Campus Cockerill site hosted the 13th Defence Label Commission, bringing together 86 certified dealerships and 132 satellites. This demanding certification, which demonstrates an understanding of military issues, attests to the level of commitment in terms of infrastructure, maintenance quality, expertise and operational organisation.
