John Cockerill Defense Unveils Advanced Cockerill 1030 Weapon Station with Counter-Drone Solution.

In a significant advancement in defense technology, John Cockerill Defense, the renowned Belgian defense Company, has taken the wraps off its latest innovation, the Cockerill 1030 weapon station equipped with counter-drone solution, at the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference (DIMDEX) 2024. This cutting-edge development is not just a leap forward in military hardware but also a testament to the increasing focus on countering the emerging threat of drones.
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John Cockerill Defense weapon stations and turrets can be now fitted with a counter-drone solution. (Picture source JCD)

The Cockerill 1030 weapon station, earmarked for the Qatar Armed Forces, integrates a powerful Mark 44 cannon from Northrop Grumman. What sets this weapon station apart is its roof-mounted remote operation capability, boasting a digital architecture meticulously tested with a new counter-drone solution that employs airburst ammunition. This innovation is designed to offer a comprehensive defense mechanism against drones, providing radar-based detection and tracking to enable precise targeting and neutralization of aerial threats.

Derived from the lightest turret in its class, the 3000 series, the Cockerill 1030 offers an impressive elevation range from -10° to 70°. This feature is particularly advantageous for engaging Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), ensuring a versatile response to threats from different altitudes. Moreover, the turret is equipped with an intelligent artificial interface, enhancing its capability to identify and recognize both aerial and land-based targets with unprecedented accuracy.

In an exciting development, John Cockerill Defense announced that this new counter-drone system is also compatible with the Cockerill i-X combat vehicle, broadening the potential applications of this technology across different platforms.

Looking towards the future, the company revealed plans to enable remote operation of the Cockerill 1030. This advancement means that in future deployments, the vehicle's crew could operate the weapon station from a protected position within the vehicle, significantly enhancing crew safety without compromising operational effectiveness.

The unveiling of the Cockerill 1030 at DIMDEX 2024 marks a significant milestone in naval defense technology, offering a glimpse into the future of military engagements. With its advanced features and capabilities, the Cockerill 1030 is poised to set a new standard in defense against the burgeoning threat posed by drones, ensuring that armed forces remain at the cutting edge of technology and defense capabilities.

Defense News March 2024