DIMDEX 2024: John Cockerill continues to push back the frontiers of operational superiority

John Cockerill is proud to present, at DIMDEX 2024 (Hall 5, Stand 314), its new anti-drone system, which can be fitted to all its medium-calibre turrets. On the strength of John Cockerill Defense‘s latest highly successful testing, the Cockerill i-X (France) and the Cockerill 1030 (Qatar) are also on show in Doha, Qatar.

Always attentive to the operational needs of international armed forces, John Cockerill has developed an anti-drone solution for our 30 mm turrets. Tested for 2 weeks in Bulgaria, the anti-drone system proved its effectiveness against drones of various sizes, sometimes flying at extremely high speeds. The ‘autotracking’ system, capable of locking onto a target and anticipating its movements (thanks to state-of-the-art artificial intelligence) and already tested and approved on land systems, has been adapted for use in the air. This application, coupled with the use of ABM munitions, has produced excellent results!

This anti-drone system can be installed on the Cockerill i-X and Cockerill 1030, both of which will be on show at DIMDEX 2024.

The Cockerill® i-X (“i” for “interceptor” and “X” for “modular-multi-weapons system): it’s the first ever ground interceptor and is a breakthrough combat system for territorial defense interception: engage and defeat incoming threats before they reach their objective. Last October, the Cockerill i-X once again demonstrated its incredible speed and unrivalled stability, firing at over 120km/h and hitting the target every time.

The Cockerill® i-X is born from the merger of the technological excellence of weapon systems and the expertise of rally raid performance. The Cockerill® i-X represents a break with traditional concepts and imposes a new paradigm of military land operations.

The vehicle is capable of moving at very high speeds on-road and off-road (with a thermal or hybrid thermal-electric drive train), light, stealthy (appearance management with adaptive camouflage, and modification of IR and acoustic signature), integrating multi sensor data fusion technology (Smart Helmet, on-board intelligence AI, cameras, sensors : LWS, Acoustic Gunshot detection and localization) and capable of integrating a suite of effective weapons (such as 25mm, 30mm, Missiles, Rockets,…) depending on the threat to be neutralized, as well as to foresee the integration of a new generation of effectors.

Other striking innovative aspects concern the weapon system which will be completely retractable to ensure its stealth and speed. The vehicle will be quickly transportable by Air (plane, helicopter, droppable by parachute), Sea and Land (train, truck).

The Cockerill® 1030: lightweight, precise, multi-mission, including fully amphibious, and with high firepower, the Cockerill® 1030 is the answer to the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s armed forces. Lightweight (<1.5t with level 2 ballistic protection) and compact (1.5m ring diameter) with a capacity of up to 200 rounds, equipped with 2 digital sighting systems, able to elevate to 70°, and with the ability to integrate a wide range of accessories such as AT missiles, rockets, APS, 360° close observation… it is the ideal weapon system for all types of vehicles and missions (APC, IFV, anti-UAV, amphibious, …). Thanks to more than 1,000 turrets in service around the  world today, the John Cockerill Defense team has acquired a unique experience in terms of reliability and performance from which the Cockerill®1030 benefits.

In December, the Cockerill® 1030 successfully completed one customer demonstration in Qatar, with great distinction. Whether in static or moving mode, the 1030 hit the target with every shot at ranges of up to 2,500 metres. This again demonstrates the reliability and accuracy of our products, which are the result of our 200 years of experience in manufacturing weapon systems.

Thierry Renaudin, President of John Cockerill Defense: “These three days at DIMDEX are an excellent opportunity for us to demonstrate the consistency, breadth and innovative nature of John Cockerill Defense’s offer. We are very proud to present our new anti-drone system, which meets a real need for international armed forces. This system is the result of the ingenuity of our highly qualified teams, and further developments are expected between now and Eurosatory in Paris“.