John Cockerill Defense participates in Belgium’s first defense exhibition and showcases its industrial and technological capabilities

John Cockerill Defense is proud to announce its participation in Belgium’s first defense exhibition, BEDEX, which will be held from March 12 to 14 in Brussels.

Through its presence at this event, John Cockerill Defense reaffirms its commitment to European and international armed forces, as well as its desire to actively contribute to the development of the Belgian defense ecosystem.

On this occasion, John Cockerill Defense is presenting a selection of its products and services from its five complementary brands: Cockerill®, Arquus®, Hornet®, Agueris®, and Eurocontrol. This presence illustrates the Group’s ability to offer integrated solutions covering a wide range of operational needs: firepower, mobility, robotics, force protection, and training.

A showcase for the Group’s cutting-edge technologies

Among the equipment on display, John Cockerill Defense is exhibiting the Cockerill® 3105 turret integrated on a Leopard 1 vehicle, illustrating its modernization and integration capabilities.

The Cockerill® 3105 system combines a 105 mm gun with a latest-generation fire control system and advanced battlefield connectivity capabilities. Designed for versatility, this turret is capable of both direct and indirect fire missions, greatly expanding its tactical use.

With an elevation angle of up to 42°, it can engage targets in complex environments, particularly in urban areas or rough terrain, while providing high-trajectory fire support. Its modular architecture allows it to be integrated onto a wide range of platforms, offering a precise and rapidly deployable strike capability.

CLWS 25 mm: remote-controlled precision and enhanced protection

John Cockerill Defense also presents the Cockerill® Light Weapon System (CLWS), a remote-controlled turret equipped with a 25 mm cannon.

Compact and fast, the CLWS is designed for integration on light armored vehicles. It features day/night targeting capabilities, stabilized firing, and full integration into digital battlefield networks, enabling precise engagements while protecting the operator.

Ultimately, the CLWS will form the basis of John Cockerill Defense’s future Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) solution. Thanks to its agility, precision, and modularity, it will enable a response to the growing threat of drones and light aerial platforms, confirming its strategic role in multi-domain combat environments.

Hornet Air Guard: an operational response to aerial threats and drones

Short-range air defense and anti-drone capabilities are also at the heart of the booth with the Hornet Air Guard system developed by the Hornet brand.

This remote-controlled turret is specially designed to counter asymmetric and low-altitude aerial threats, particularly drones. Already combat-proven and in service with the French army, the system can be equipped with the Air Guard counter-drone kit.

The solution is based on proven technologies offering a complete chain of protection:

360° detection,
optronic identification and tracking,
kinetic neutralization,
intelligent smoke screen.

This pragmatic solution can be installed on any armored vehicle capable of integrating a remote-controlled turret, thus providing a first layer of protection against drones. Several firing campaigns were conducted in 2025 and 2026, and the first turrets will be delivered to the French Army in 2026. Through this program, John Cockerill Defense is demonstrating its capacity for innovation and development within tight deadlines.

DRAILER: modular land robotics according to Arquus

At the stand, Arquus is showcasing the DRAILER, a robotic land platform illustrating the company’s ability to develop modular and scalable systems.

Designed as a versatile tactical platform, the DRAILER has a robotic architecture with four-wheel drive and steering, enabling it to navigate complex terrain and accompany units as close as possible to the action. Thanks to its optical sensors and GPS navigation, it can automatically follow troops, helping to lighten the load on combatants while increasing their operational capabilities.

With a payload capacity of up to 750 kg, the platform can integrate various equipment:

Hornet remote-controlled turret,
long-range missiles,
investigation arm,
intelligence, electronic warfare or mine clearance modules,
direct or indirect fire support systems.

The DRAILER also offers high operational discretion and increased flexibility of use. Several solutions are available for recharging its energy: in trailer mode, the rotation of the wheels recharges the battery, while a compact integrated diesel engine can provide a full recharge and offer a range of up to 200 km.

Cockerill® i-X: the new-generation interception vehicle

John Cockerill Defense also presents the Cockerill® i-X, a highly mobile interception vehicle designed to meet the needs of special forces and rapid response units.

Designed for operations requiring speed, discretion, and firepower, the Cockerill® i-X stands out for its aeronautics-inspired design and advanced integration of digital technologies. Its lightweight architecture and powerful engine enable it to reach particularly high speeds while maintaining excellent mobility on difficult terrain.

The vehicle can be equipped with various weapon configurations, including a Hornet remote-controlled turret, and can integrate advanced sensor, communication, and mission management systems. Designed to operate in complex, high-intensity environments, the Cockerill i-X combines rapid response, crew protection, and information superiority.

With this innovative concept, John Cockerill Defense illustrates its vision of agile and connected tactical mobility, adapted to new forms of conflict and high-intensity reconnaissance, interception, and combat operations.

Contribution to the SCORPION program

The show remains an exceptional opportunity to highlight Arquus’s contribution to the SCORPION program, which aims to modernize the combat capabilities of the French army.

In this context, Arquus is supplying the complete powertrains for the new generation of vehicles:

VBMR Griffon
EBRC Jaguar

These powertrains include all the components that ensure the vehicles’ mobility (engine, gearbox, running gear), enabling them to achieve the latest generation of off-road performance.

In addition, the Hornet brand supplies the remote-controlled turrets that constitute the Griffon’s main armament and the Jaguar’s secondary armament, notably the T1, T2 (Hornet Lite), and T3 (Hornet S) models. The integration of these systems enhances crew protection, secures convoys, and ensures mission continuity in theaters of operation.

Logistical support for these vehicles is also provided by Arquus, which manages all spare parts and technical support, notably via its Garchizy logistics platform dedicated to the SCORPION program.