India and Belgium are discussing the formation of a task force to advance their bilateral defense collaboration. This move comes as two Belgian companies have joined forces with Indian counterparts to integrate rocket systems into armored vehicles and lightweight tanks. “Prime Minister Modi suggested forming a task force in both countries to structure our defense relations,” said Theo Francken during a press interaction, expressing appreciation for the Indian soldiers’ role in World War I.
Alongside Belgian Foreign Minister MaximePrevot, Francken confirmed that Belgium would deploy a senior military officer as a defense attaché to the New Delhi embassy to emphasize the importance of defense cooperation.
The Belgian Defense Minister also invited the Indian Navy to participate in Belgium’s Navy Day, marking the beginning of formal interactions between the two naval forces. Over 300 representatives from more than 200 Belgian companies are visiting India from March 2 to March 7 as part of an economic mission aimed at exploring business prospects.
John Cockerill Defence (JCD) and Thales Belgium have forged partnerships with Indian firms to tap into India’s growing defense market. John Cockerill, known for its work in steel and green hydrogen sectors, has teamed up with Electro Pneumatics & Hydraulics Pvt Ltd (EPHL) to co-manufacture, assemble, and commission turrets for the “Zorawar” lightweight tank, developed by DRDO and L&T. This tank is designed to operate in both high-altitude and desert conditions for the Indian Army.
The Indian Army is looking to deploy over 350 lightweight tanks, with the potential for future expansion. In line with India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, the joint venture between JCD and EPHL will have a 60:40 ownership ratio, with JCD holding the majority stake to transfer turret technology to India.
JCD, a global leader in turret manufacturing, will produce these turrets in India for the first time outside of Europe. The company, which exports turrets to ten countries, currently has a single assembly facility in Saudi Arabia. The turrets manufactured in India will have 50% local content, and JCD is considering sharing metallurgy expertise with its Indian partner. “John Cockerill is committed to helping India become a manufacturing hub for the world,” stated Thierry Renaudin, CEO of JCD.
So far, John Cockerill has delivered one turret for the L&T-built Zorawar prototype, which has completed winter field trials. The second turret is being supplied for another prototype scheduled for summer trials. This is part of an order for 59 turrets, which will be produced at the Chakan facility in Pune, Maharashtra, for L&T, said Ashley Rasquinha, Jt Managing Director of EPHL.
Similarly, Thales Belgium has partnered with Armoured Vehicle Nigam Ltd (AVNL) for integrating a 70mm rocket system onto vehicles for India’s armed forces. A key milestone in 2025 will include a joint demonstration of their combined capabilities, including a firing demonstration. Additionally, Thales Belgium is equipping the ALH-WSI helicopter, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, with launchers and rockets for the Indian Army and Air Force, a program the company has been involved in for over 20 years.
