John Cockerill Defense strengthens its strategic engagement with Egypt at EDEX 2025

November 28th 2025

John Cockerill Defense is taking part in the 2025 edition of the EDEX exhibition, a major defense event in Egypt. On this occasion, John Cockerill Defense highlights the strength of its long-standing partnership with Egypt, as well as the development of its industrial cooperation in the region. With its Arquus® and Cockerill® solutions, John Cockerill Defense presents a comprehensive offer covering the full spectrum of land capabilities: armored mobility, self-protection, weapon systems, and combat solutions.

A historic and enduring partnership with Egypt

The relationship between Arquus – the land mobility division of John Cockerill Defense – and Egypt dates back to the 1970s, during the Berliet era, with the first TBH and GBH military trucks. This historic foundation has progressively expanded to become today one of the group’s most enduring export partnerships.

Over the past fifteen years, nearly 1,500 vehicles have been delivered to the Egyptian Armed Forces. Several hundred SHERPAs are currently in service, illustrating the confidence placed in the group’s land mobility solutions. This cooperation is built on a continuous technical dialogue and long-term operational support.

A mature industrial cooperation based on the SHERPA

The industrial cooperation relies on a proven model centered on SHERPA rolling chassis:

  • John Cockerill Defense, through its Arquus brand, supplies the chassis, spare parts, and tailored support including training and technical assistance;
  • Egyptian industry is responsible for the complete cabin hull (design, manufacturing, fitting) as well as final assembly

This model is based on a tested organization that combines Arquus’ technical expertise with the industrial capabilities of the Egyptian partner. The Ministry of Defense and Military Production plays a central role in this progressive capability building.

Within this framework, the cooperation leads the way for a production capacity that could eventually reach up to one thousand vehicles, delivered in several successive batches depending on the orientations set by Egyptian authorities. Beyond technical cooperation, the partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Defense and Military Production will also support access to additional export markets.

Cockerill® 3105: a lightweight, mobile, and powerful turret

At EDEX 2025, John Cockerill Defense is also presenting its Cockerill® 3105 turret, a lightweight and highly mobile fire-support solution offering outstanding firepower and robust protection.

Equipped with a high-pressure NATO 105 mm gun, fully designed and manufactured in-house, the Cockerill® 3105 is ITAR-free, qualified, and already in service with several armies.

Its main advantages include:

  • Under 6 tons in combat configuration, for an optimal size/weight ratio;
  • Protection level 4 in the standard configuration;
  • A unique elevation of +42°, enabling firing in urban environments, rough terrain, or indirect fire beyond 9 km;
  • Automated autoloader, 12 ready-to-fire rounds, up to 6 rounds per minute;
    High modularity: CUAS sensors, AI-assisted auto-tracking, anti-tank missiles, rockets, additional protection up to level 6.

This design, fully mastered by John Cockerill Defense, allows customization of the configuration to meet the specific needs of each army.

An integrated offer for land forces

With Arquus for land mobility and Cockerill® for weapon systems, John Cockerill Defense offers a unified and coherent portfolio covering all operational requirements:

  • 4×4 and 6×6 armored vehicles and heavy platforms,
  • Medium to large-caliber turrets and weapon systems,
  • Protection, support, and combat solutions,
  • Advanced integration ensuring modular and scalable systems.

This comprehensive approach provides armed forces with robust, proven solutions adapted to the most demanding environments.

A shared ambition for new developments

Beyond vehicle production, John Cockerill Defense and its Egyptian partners are now working on codesign and co-development projects, aligned with the group’s industrial strategy in the region.

This approach aims to combine the expertise of both parties more closely to strengthen their shared competitiveness.

John Cockerill Defense’s participation in EDEX 2025 is therefore part of a long-standing relationship built over more than fifty years with Egypt and marks a new step in developing sustainable, structuring industrial cooperation.