Breaking News
John Cockerill to Produce Turrets for Indian Army Tanks Designed for High-Altitude Operations.
John Cockerill Defense, a subsidiary of the Belgian group John Cockerill, has taken a decisive step in its international expansion by signing a contract on March 4, 2025, with the Indian company Electro Pneumatics & Hydraulics. This strategic agreement provides for the creation of a joint venture dedicated to producing turrets for the Indian Army's Zorawar light tanks, designed for high-altitude operations. This partnership represents a significant milestone for John Cockerill Defense, marking the first time it has established a turret production facility outside Europe. It aligns with India's "Make in India" initiative, which aims to strengthen the country's industrial autonomy by requiring that at least 50% of the product's value be manufactured locally.
The Indian Army's Zorawar light tanks and the Cockerill 3030 and 3105 turrets (Picture source: Wikicommons/JohnCockerill)
Initially, sixty turrets will be delivered, but the long-term objective is much larger. Production could eventually reach several hundred or even thousands of units. John Cockerill Defense will hold a 60% stake in the joint venture, bringing its expertise in designing and manufacturing weapon systems. While some components will continue to be produced in Belgium, most of the assembly will take place in India at a facility near Mumbai, employing around a hundred workers and numerous local subcontractors.
John Cockerill Defense offers a range of modern turrets designed for light tanks and armored vehicles. Among them, the Cockerill 3105 turret stands out with its high-pressure 105mm gun, compliant with NATO standards, providing substantial firepower against enemy armored vehicles. Designed for integration on wheeled or tracked platforms, it features an automatic loading system capable of holding up to 16 rounds. In addition to its main armament, it can be equipped with secondary weapons, including 7.62mm and 12.7mm machine guns or a 40mm automatic grenade launcher. Its elevation capability from -10° to +42° enables effective operations in mountainous terrain, a key advantage for high-altitude missions such as those planned with the Zorawar tanks. The turret is also equipped with an advanced detection and protection system, including smoke launchers, a shot detection sensor, and ballistic protection meeting STANAG 4569 Level 5 standards.
Another high-performance model, the Cockerill 3030, is a modular turret that can be configured as manned or remotely operated. It is armed with a 30mm cannon compatible with Mk44, Mk44S, and XM813 ammunition, offering multiple firing modes, from single shots to automatic bursts. Its dual-drum feed system allows for flexible ammunition management, with an option for the "Super 40" caliber. Like the 3105, it has anti-tank capabilities through missile launch integration, enhancing its battlefield versatility. Its exceptional elevation range of -10° to +60° provides a strategic advantage, particularly in urban or mountainous combat environments. The turret also features STANAG 4569 Level 5 armor protection, and a 360° vision system optimized for day and night operations.
At the same time, John Cockerill is strengthening its presence in the Indian market through several industrial initiatives. The subsidiary John Cockerill India Limited recently signed an agreement with Jindal (India) Limited to supply an advanced Colour Coating Line (CCL). This facility, to be established in Ranihati, will significantly increase Jindal’s annual production capacity of coated steel and enhance its position in India's high-end market. John Cockerill’s expertise in designing and building continuous metal strip processing lines was a decisive factor in this collaboration, marking the third contract of its kind between the two companies.
As part of efforts to promote green steel and sustainable solutions, John Cockerill India Limited has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). This strategic agreement aims to develop advanced solutions for the Indian steel industry, particularly in cold rolling and silicon steel production. The focus is on integrating green hydrogen into iron and steel manufacturing processes, with the objective of reducing carbon emissions and improving sustainability in the sector.
Additionally, Belgium and India have agreed to establish a task force to structure and deepen their defense cooperation. During his meeting with his Indian counterpart, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken announced the deployment of a defense attaché to the Belgian embassy in New Delhi. He also invited the Indian Navy to participate in the Belgian Navy Day celebrations. John Cockerill, for its part, confirmed its commitment to making India a manufacturing hub for defense systems, with turret production outside Europe for the first time. The Zorawar tank prototype, fitted with a John Cockerill turret, has already completed winter trials, and a second prototype is being prepared for summer condition tests.
John Cockerill Defense’s strategy in India is part of a broader effort to expand its international market presence. The company, which recorded a turnover of €800 million last year, aims to capitalize on these new opportunities to strengthen its position among leading providers of weapon systems and industrial solutions. India, historically aligned with Russia for military and industrial procurement, is showing increasing interest in Western technologies. For John Cockerill Defense, these projects represent a major opportunity to establish a lasting presence in the Indian market and contribute to the modernization of local infrastructure.