Breaking News: New Era in Combat Vehicles as John Cockerill Arms FNSS PARS Alpha 6x6 with 30mm Cockerill 3030 Turret.

At FEINDEF 2025, a defense exhibition in Madrid, Belgian Company John Cockerill Defense made a major impression by unveiling its advanced Cockerill 3030 turret mounted on the new FNSS PARS ALPHA 6x6 wheeled armored vehicle. This high-profile presentation marked a key milestone in a joint initiative between the Belgian defense systems integrator and Turkish armored vehicle manufacturer FNSS, signaling a significant leap forward in modular weapon systems integration and armored vehicle development.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The FNSS Pars Alpha 6x6 armored vehicle on display at FEINDEF 2025, fitted with the John Cockerill 3030 turret armed with a 30mm automatic cannon. This new configuration marks a significant leap in modular firepower and anti-drone capability for modern combat operations. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The Cockerill 3030 turret, a flagship product within the versatile Cockerill 3000 Series, has been engineered to support a variety of weapon calibers including 30mm, 40mm, and 105mm cannons. At FEINDEF 2025, the 3030 variant was shown equipped with the Northrop Grumman 30mm MK44S Bushmaster chain gun. A standout feature of this turret is its compatibility with programmable airburst munitions, which deliver precision strikes against aerial threats such as drones—a growing concern in contemporary combat environments. This built-in anti-drone capability is one of the turret’s most unique and tactical advantages, positioning it at the forefront of modern turret technology.

Internally, the 3030 is designed for high readiness and fire endurance, with 250 rounds of 30x173mm ammunition stored directly inside the turret in a dual-drum feed system. This configuration allows for sustained combat operations without the immediate need for external resupply, enhancing the platform’s autonomy and battlefield resilience. Furthermore, the turret is built to support both manned and unmanned operations, giving military forces the flexibility to deploy it in a range of tactical scenarios—from traditional mechanized infantry engagements to remote or autonomous operations.

The FNSS PARS ALPHA 6x6, on which the turret is mounted, is the latest iteration of FNSS’s PARS family of wheeled armored vehicles. Designed for maximum mobility, protection, and modularity, the vehicle is intended for fire support, reconnaissance, and rapid deployment missions. The variant displayed at FEINDEF is specifically configured for the Spanish market, reflecting both operational feedback and localized defense requirements. The combination of the Cockerill 3030 and the new-generation PARS ALPHA 6x6 offers a potent blend of maneuverability and firepower tailored to meet Spain’s current and future battlefield demands.

John Cockerill Defense also confirmed that several hundred units of the Cockerill 3000 Series turrets, including the 3030, have already been sold and deployed worldwide. These turrets have seen operational use across multiple theaters in the Middle East, Asia, and elsewhere, and are now considered battle-proven by both allied forces and defense analysts. Their modular design makes them exceptionally adaptable, enabling armed forces to switch between calibers and turret configurations to suit diverse mission requirements. This reduces training time, eases logistics, and extends the operational life of the platforms on which they are deployed.

The collaboration between John Cockerill and FNSS is a prime example of successful international defense cooperation. By combining Belgian firepower expertise with Turkish armored mobility, the two companies have developed a system that is ready for modern combat and future threats alike. As new threats such as drone swarms and hybrid warfare emerge, platforms like the Cockerill 3030 and PARS ALPHA 6x6 represent a new generation of integrated solutions designed to meet the evolving tactical needs of armed forces around the world.

This debut at FEINDEF 2025 not only reinforces John Cockerill Defense’s position as a global leader in turret technology but also signals a strong commitment to the European and NATO defense markets, with Spain emerging as a key partner in this strategic endeavor.