Milipol Qatar 2026: John Cockerill Defense, a Trusted Partner in Addressing Defense and Security Challenges

On the occasion of Milipol Qatar, taking place from October 20 to 22, 2026, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, John Cockerill Defense reaffirms its commitment to supporting internal security forces in Qatar and across the Middle East through its Cockerill, Arquus and Hornet product ranges. A longstanding partner of the Qatari forces, the company highlights its expertise in designing versatile armored vehicles capable of meeting the growing demands of security operations and personnel protection.

Proven Expertise in Weapon Systems and Addressing Emerging Threats

Drawing on its recognized expertise in the design and integration of weapon systems, John Cockerill Defense develops solutions tailored to the operational requirements of today’s and tomorrow’s armed forces. Its portfolio demonstrates its ability to combine firepower, accuracy, mobility and technological innovation to address a wide range of missions, from direct fire support to countering emerging aerial threats.

The Hornet Air Guard demonstrates this capacity for innovation and rapid adaptation to evolving threats. Building on French expertise in remote-controlled weapon stations, particularly in firing accuracy, optronic performance and open architecture, this system provides a comprehensive solution for detecting, identifying and neutralizing hostile drones. Its key innovation lies in its ability to detect threats across 360° and automatically direct the optronic system toward the target, enabling faster identification.

With the Cockerill® i-X, John Cockerill Defense also offers a high-mobility interceptor vehicle designed to meet the requirements of special forces and rapid intervention units. Born from the combination of technological excellence in weapon systems and expertise in rally-raid performance, the Cockerill® i-X breaks away from traditional concepts and opens up new possibilities for land military operations.

The Cockerill® 1030 further demonstrates John Cockerill Defense’s ability to develop compact, lightweight and versatile weapon systems combining accuracy and firepower. Weighing less than 1.5 tonnes, offering Level 2 ballistic protection and featuring a turret ring diameter of just 1.5 meters, the system can carry up to 200 rounds of ammunition. It incorporates two digital sighting systems, offers gun elevation of up to 70° and allows the integration of a wide range of additional equipment, including anti-tank guided missiles, rockets, active protection systems (APS) and 360° close-range observation systems. Its design enables integration onto a broad variety of platforms, including armored personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles and amphibious platforms, while also addressing counter-drone requirements.

With more than 1,000 turrets in service worldwide, John Cockerill Defense has a proven track record in weapon system reliability, performance and integration. This expertise is supported by an established presence in the Middle East, where several hundred of the group’s weapon systems have been sold. This strong regional footprint reflects the confidence placed in its solutions and its ability to meet the specific requirements of armed forces throughout the region.

MAV’RX: A Versatile Armored Platform Designed to Meet Defense and Internal Security Challenges

As threats continue to evolve and operational environments become increasingly diverse, internal security forces need vehicles that combine protection, mobility and operational versatility.

Unveiled at Eurosatory in 2024, the MAV’RX is John Cockerill Defense’s next-generation 4×4 multi-role armored platform. Since its initial presentation, it has undergone extensive development through numerous testing campaigns conducted in a variety of environments, including the desert conditions characteristic of the Middle East. These trials have confirmed its performance and enabled the integration of lessons learned from recent conflicts and operational feedback.

The MAV’RX brings together capabilities that are traditionally difficult to combine within a single platform, built around several key strengths:

• High-level protection. The MAV’RX features protection compliant with STANAG 4569, enhancing crew safety against current threats and enabling operations close to the front line.
• Adapted firepower. Thanks to its modular architecture, the MAV’RX can be equipped with a Cockerill CPWS turret, providing effective fire support to deployed units.
• Full troop-carrying capacity. The MAV’RX can accommodate up to ten personnel, offering high standards of ergonomics and onboard comfort. Its modular platform can fulfill a wide range of roles, including troop transport, command post, weapon system carrier and medical evacuation.

With a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 19 tonnes, a 400 hp engine and an automatic transmission, the MAV’RX delivers excellent all-terrain mobility while maintaining strong on-road performance and optimized maintenance to support operational availability. It can be equipped with tropicalized air conditioning, the BattleNet system, a dual electrical network and counter-drone capabilities through the Cerbair jamming system, making it particularly well suited to hot climates and emerging threats.

Combining high levels of protection with substantial payload capacity and mobility, the MAV’RX provides a solution tailored to the needs of specialized units, particularly for securing sensitive areas, counterterrorism operations and interventions in high-risk environments.

A Longstanding Partner of Qatar’s Internal Security Forces

John Cockerill Defense’s participation in Milipol Qatar builds on a relationship of trust established over many years with the country’s authorities and security forces.

Qatari forces notably operate a fleet of SHERPA and HIGUARD armored vehicles developed by Arquus and tailored to their operational requirements.

Proven across a wide range of operational environments, these platforms meet the requirements for protected personnel transport, specialized interventions and the security of sensitive infrastructure.

Long-Term Industrial Cooperation and a Local Presence in Qatar 

Beyond the supply of armored vehicles, Arquus maintains a long-term industrial partnership with Qatar, notably illustrated by the modernization program for the Qatari Armed Forces’ VAB fleet.

Conducted in partnership with local stakeholders, this program benefits from an industrial presence in Qatar, enabling vehicle modernization and maintenance operations to be carried out locally.

This cooperation also includes a significant training and skills transfer component, contributing to the development of local expertise and strengthening the autonomy of Qatari forces in maintaining and supporting their equipment.

Through its participation in Milipol Qatar 2026, John Cockerill Defense confirms its commitment to strengthening and expanding its relationships with internal security stakeholders across the Middle East by delivering modular, protected mobility solutions tailored to current and future operational challenges.