John Cockerill Defense to Showcase Its Multi-Brand Land Defense Portfolio at World Defense Show 2026

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – John Cockerill Defense is proud to announce its participation in the 2026 edition of the World Defense Show (WDS), taking place in Riyadh from 8 to 12 February. On this occasion, the Group will present for the first time in Saudi Arabia the full scope of its complementary brands: Cockerill®, Arquus®, Hornet® and Agueris®, highlighting a comprehensive, modular and combat-proven land defense offering.

A comprehensive land defense showcase for the Middle East

At WDS 2026, John Cockerill Defense will unveil a broad range of systems addressing current and future operational requirements, with a strong focus on mobility, firepower, protection and counter-UAS capabilities.

Among the key highlights, visitors will discover the MAV’RX, presented with the CLWS 25 mm turret, illustrating a highly mobile and modular solution adapted to modern combat environments.
A true contact vehicle, the MAV’RX is a multi-role armored platform capable of combining high payload capacity, superior protection, and medium-caliber armament while maintaining outstanding mobility. This versatility enables operations in high-intensity environments and has already proven its effectiveness on demanding terrains representative of the area of operations.

Featuring independent wheel suspensions and a 400 hp engine paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission, the MAV’RX incorporates all the attributes of a true all-terrain vehicle, ensuring excellent mobility across all theaters of operation.

Designed to the highest protection standards and offering exceptional mobility, the MAV’RX operates alongside the combat group, as close as possible to the point of contact.

On the occasion of WDS, the CLWS turret is exhibited integrated on the MAV’RX. Its low mass (±600kg) and compact design (height < 600mm with gun-linked optics) result in a low silhouette and a limited mass suitable for all types of light armoured vehicles.

Modularity, the strong point of John Cockerill Defense products, enables the Cockerill® CLWS to be configured in different variants according to the missions and to integrate various equipment that contribute to increased situational awareness of the environment and active defence through gun-linked or panoramic optics (360°), LWS, SGL, APS,… Armoured protection of the main functions of the weapon system is also offered.

VAB vehicle equipped with CPWS turret

John Cockerill Defense will also showcase a CPWS 25 mm turret, designed to combine firepower, protection and operational flexibility on a wide variety of platforms. Lightweight, remotely operated and equipped with a single hatch known as a “convertible roof” that can be positioned in four different modes (closed for protection, slightly open for “sniper” operations, monitoring in the raised position and fully open for emergency exits or maintenance).

The Cockerill® CPWS is a modular turret that allows the integration of several weapons such as a 25x137mm (e.g. M242) or a 30x113mm (e.g. M230LF) accompagned by a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.

In addition, scale models of VAB vehicles equipped with CPWS turrets will be displayed, illustrating integration possibilities and the adaptability of John Cockerill Defense solutions across different platforms.

Another product on display is the Sherpa. A truly versatile platform, the Sherpa range from Arquus stands out for its ability to operate sustainably in demanding environments characterized by long distances, extreme climatic conditions, and a wide variety of missions. Designed around a purpose-built military chassis, this light tactical vehicle achieves a particularly well-balanced combination of robustness, mobility, and payload capacity, meeting the requirements of armed forces deployed across large-scale and heterogeneous theaters of operation.

Its flexible and durable driveline, combined with excellent ground clearance and a tight turning radius, ensures high performance in desert and off-road environments as well as in urban areas. This operational versatility enables the execution of surveillance, long-duration patrol, command, and liaison missions in regions where logistical support may be constrained.

Already proven in service with numerous armed forces worldwide, with more than one thousand vehicles in operation, the Sherpa represents a reliable and sustainable solution.

Hornet Air Guard for protection against drones

Air defense and counter-drone operations will be another major focus, with the presentation of the Air Guard remote weapon station from Hornet, a system specifically designed to counter low-altitude and asymmetric aerial threats. Combat-proven and in service with the French Army, the Hornet RWS can be equipped with the Hornet Air Guard counter-drone kit.
Hornet Air Guard is a solution built on proven technologies to provide a pragmatic answer for any armoured vehicle capable of mounting a remote weapon station: 360° detection, optronic identification and tracking, kinetic neutralization, and intelligent smoke-screening. If you need an RWS for your mission, we also offer the very first layer of protection against drones.

In the large-calibre segment, John Cockerill Defense will present its 105 mm turret, a combat-proven solution already in service in Saudi Arabia, where several dozen units have been delivered. This system reflects the Group’s long-standing presence in the Kingdom and its ability to provide mature, reliable and operationally validated solutions.

A strong commitment to innovation, modularity and local relevance

Through its presence at World Defense Show 2026, John Cockerill Defense reaffirms its commitment to supporting the modernization of land forces by offering modular, scalable and interoperable systems, backed by decades of experience and operational feedback.

By bringing together the expertise of Cockerill® in weapon systems and turrets, Arquus® in mobility, Hornet® in counter-UAS solutions, and Agueris® in training and simulation, the Group delivers a coherent and integrated approach to land defense capabilities.

World Defense Show 2026 will be a key opportunity for John Cockerill Defense to engage with partners, armed forces and decision-makers from the region, and to demonstrate its long-term commitment to the Saudi defense ecosystem.