IndoDefence 2025: Arquus mounts Belgian Cockerill 1030 turret on VAB Mk3 IFV to support Indonesia’s mechanized infantry.

During the Indo Defence 2025 exhibition, the French company Arquus has exhibited its VAB Mk3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle equipped with the Belgian John Cockerill 1030 turret, marking 35 years of industrial and defense cooperation with Indonesia. Over this period, the French company has delivered approximately 800 vehicles and systems to the Indonesian Armed Forces, including VLRA tactical trucks, 105 mm turrets, Sherpa Scout vehicles, VAB armored personnel carriers, and several rolling chassis and powerpacks. These vehicles are currently deployed in domestic defense operations as well as international United Nations peacekeeping missions.
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Mounting the Cockerill 1030 turret on the VAB Mk3 enables high-elevation engagement, remote operation, and the integration of optional systems such as anti-tank guided missiles and active protection systems. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The version of the VAB Mk3 shown in Jakarta continues the legacy of the Anoa 2 program conducted with the Indonesian Ministry of Defence from 2007 to 2022. It is now referred to locally as “Anoa 3,” with PT Pindad taking part in its development. This public presentation is aligned with the Memorandum of Understanding signed in June 2022 at Eurosatory between Arquus and PT Pindad, which formalized a long-term collaboration on the development, production, and servicing of armored vehicles in Indonesia.

The VAB Mk3 on display is a 6×6 Infantry Fighting Vehicle variant in desert brown camouflage. The vehicle is operated by a crew of two and can carry up to eight infantry personnel. Arquus and John Cockerill Defense have integrated the modular Cockerill 1030 unmanned turret, a system from the Cockerill 3000 Series. This turret was selected as part of the ongoing Anoa 3 initiative, which aims to offer a local evolution of the VAB family. The 1030 turret is designed to be mounted on both wheeled and tracked platforms, including 6×6 and 8×8 vehicles, and supports various mission configurations such as troop transport, fire support, mortar carrier, and command post. The overall concept emphasizes modularity and adaptability to different operational environments. The vehicle includes an updated powertrain, upgraded protection levels, and improved ergonomics compared to earlier variants. According to available information, this configuration is proposed as an enhancement over the Anoa 2 in terms of mobility, protection, and firepower.

The VAB Mk3 is based on a new 6×6 chassis that differs significantly from the original VAB developed in the 1970s. Unlike the Mk1 and Mk2, which shared most components, the Mk3 retains only about 20 percent commonality with earlier generations. The total weight has increased to approximately 20 tons, largely due to additional armor and internal modifications. The vehicle measures 6.7 meters in length, 2.5 meters in width, and 2.2 meters in height. It is powered by a 340-horsepower Renault MD7 diesel engine, with an alternative 370-horsepower Caterpillar C7 engine available. The VAB Mk3 can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h and has an operational range of around 800 kilometers at a cruising speed of 60 km/h. It features independent suspension on all six wheels, a central tire inflation system, and can maintain limited amphibious capabilities if not overloaded with armor. The V-shaped hull and modular armor provide ballistic protection rated up to STANAG 4569 Level 4, depending on configuration.

The Cockerill 1030 turret is a compact, remotely operated system engineered by John Cockerill Defense. It is based on the company’s experience delivering more than 600 turrets equipped with 30 mm chain guns. The 1030 turret uses a 30×173 mm Bushmaster II/ATK Mk44 main gun with dual-feed capability and holds between 150 and 200 ready rounds. Secondary armament includes a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, and options are available for anti-tank missile integration, typically with systems such as the Spike LR2 or Ingwe. Smoke grenade launchers and optional APS modules can also be installed. The turret supports under-armor reloading and is capable of high elevation from -10° to +70°, enabling engagement of aerial threats such as UAVs. Its electro-optical suite includes a panoramic commander sight and stabilized gunner sight with day and thermal imaging, as well as a laser rangefinder. The turret is compatible with a 1.5-meter turret ring and can be fitted to a variety of chassis formats, including robotic ground vehicles and amphibious craft.

Weighing approximately 1.5 tons in its two-crew configuration, the Cockerill 1030 is designed to meet platform constraints requiring reduced payloads. It offers full 360-degree rotation and is fully stabilized for firing while moving. Detection, recognition, and identification ranges are listed as 16.8 km, 8.3 km, and 4.5 km respectively for day cameras, and 13.5 km, 6.1 km, and 3.1 km for thermal imaging. The turret is designed with a welded ballistic aluminum structure and is modular to allow various levels of ballistic protection between STANAG 4569 Level 2 and Level 4. Its open digital architecture supports integration of laser warning systems, anti-tank guided missiles, airburst munitions, counter-UAS sensors, and active protection systems. Multiple configurations are available: a full option dual-crew version, a single-operator version with reduced sighting systems, and a lightweight robotic version for unmanned use. The system has been subjected to multiple live-fire test campaigns in Europe, confirming its performance and operational reliability.

Arquus’ participation in Indo Defence 2025 with the VAB Mk3 fitted with the Cockerill 1030 turret aligns with Indonesia’s broader defense modernization efforts. By offering a platform that supports different mission modules and high protection levels, the VAB Mk3 aims to provide a bridge between locally produced platforms and imported technologies. The Anoa 3 program, based on the VAB Mk3 chassis, reflects efforts to develop indigenous capabilities through joint production agreements. John Cockerill Defense contributes to this process by offering a turret system that is compatible with Indonesian requirements and supports various integration scenarios. Both the vehicle and turret have been tested and validated in different environments, including urban, desert, and amphibious settings. The turret's presence on naval platforms, as presented during the DIMDEX 2024 exhibition in Qatar, further illustrates its adaptability.

As of 2025, the VAB Mk3 has been delivered to several export customers beyond Indonesia, including Tunisia, Ukraine, and other nations in Africa and the Middle East. In Ukraine, the VAB Mk3 has been observed with indigenous remote weapon systems such as the “Sich” turret. Arquus continues to support the modularization of the VAB Mk3, offering different configurations including ambulance, NBC reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and artillery command vehicles. The partnership between Arquus and PT Pindad is framed as a long-term industrial effort to assemble and adapt systems locally while leveraging European technology. John Cockerill Defense promotes the Cockerill 1030 turret as suitable for various mission profiles, including counter-UAS, amphibious warfare, and standard infantry fighting roles. The vehicle-turret combination is intended to meet a range of requirements while supporting local defense industry development in Southeast Asia.