John Cockerill Defense’s Acquisition of ARQUUS Sets the Stage for Cutting-Edge Military Vehicle Innovations.

Belgian Company John Cockerill Defense (JCD) is marking a new chapter in its journey with the recent acquisition of French Company ARQUUS, a renowned manufacturer of military vehicles. This strategic acquisition enables JCD to create entirely new and integrated combat vehicle solutions by combining ARQUUS' extensive experience in manufacturing rugged, combat-proven vehicles with JCD's cutting-edge expertise in developing advanced weapon stations. The fusion of these capabilities will allow JCD to offer a complete, next-generation platform, merging superior mobility, protection, and firepower into fully integrated systems. This collaboration opens the door to a new era of innovative military vehicles designed to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare.
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The ARQUUS VAB Mk III, equipped with the John Cockerill Defense Cockerill® 1030 turret, on display at IDEX 2025. This advanced integration highlights the fusion of ARQUUS' expertise in rugged vehicle manufacturing with JCD's cutting-edge weapon systems, offering a next-generation combat platform designed for superior mobility, protection, and firepower. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

At IDEX 2025, John Cockerill Defense (JCD) showcases the VAB MK III, a modernized and modular troop transport vehicle, now equipped with a Cockerill® 1030 turret. This display perfectly exemplifies the significant advancements made since the acquisition of ARQUUS. The integration of ARQUUS' expertise in combat vehicle manufacturing with JCD’s world-class weapon systems heralds a new era of innovation in combat vehicle technology. By combining these two strengths, JCD is pushing the boundaries of what modern military platforms can achieve, delivering a fully integrated solution that seamlessly blends superior mobility, cutting-edge protection, and high-performance weaponry. The VAB MK III at IDEX symbolizes the successful fusion of ARQUUS’ robust vehicle platforms and JCD's advanced weapon systems, marking the dawn of a new generation of combat vehicles—more adaptable, powerful, and capable of meeting the challenges of today’s rapidly evolving battlefield.

This collaborative effort also highlights the ongoing evolution of military vehicles and their increasingly sophisticated integration of technologies. In the case of the VAB MK III, it is not only the weapon system that stands out but also the vehicle's enhanced protection and situational awareness features. The VAB MK III is equipped with a laser warning system and a smoke grenade launcher, interconnected with the BattleNet system, which improves the vehicle's ability to detect, respond to, and neutralize threats. The aim is to reduce soldiers’ cognitive workload and improve their responsiveness to a variety of combat challenges. This kind of cutting-edge technology makes the VAB MK III a more effective, versatile platform—one that is capable of supporting modern military forces in a wide range of operational environments.

In addition to the integration of the Cockerill® 1030 turret on the VAB MK III, John Cockerill Defense is also using IDEX 2025 as a platform to showcase its broader capabilities in next-generation vehicle and weapon system development. One notable example is the MAV'RX, a 4x4 vehicle designed specifically to meet the needs of military forces operating in the challenging terrains of the Middle East. The MAV'RX combines a high payload capacity with exceptional protection, medium-caliber armament, and outstanding mobility, all in a single platform designed to tackle the complex demands of modern warfare. This platform underscores the ongoing evolution of ARQUUS vehicles within John Cockerill’s broader product portfolio, highlighting the company’s ability to deliver combat-ready solutions that are tailored to meet the specific needs of military forces in different regions.

Moreover, ARQUUS' expertise in mobility and robotics has led to the creation of the DRAILER, a multifunctional, teleoperated 4x4 vehicle. This platform can be deployed for a wide range of specialized missions, including infantry support, engineering operations, electronic warfare, and counter-drone operations. The DRAILER is a versatile, remote-controlled vehicle that provides enhanced operational flexibility, demonstrating the innovative spirit that has always defined ARQUUS. It represents a new level of capability for military forces, enabling them to deploy robotic systems that can handle dangerous tasks without putting human soldiers at risk.

Additionally, the acquisition of ARQUUS brings into John Cockerill Defense the Hornet division, which specializes in remotely operated weapon stations (ROWS) for small-caliber machine guns, such as the 7.62mm and 12.7mm calibers. This strategic integration completes JCD's comprehensive weapon system range, which now spans from the highly effective 30mm automatic cannon to the heavy-hitting 120mm cannon. The inclusion of Hornet’s small-caliber weapon stations enhances JCD's offering, providing military forces with lightweight, highly adaptable options for a variety of operational scenarios. Whether used in light reconnaissance vehicles or heavier armored platforms, the expanded range of weapon systems ensures that JCD can meet the diverse needs of modern military operations. This addition also bolsters the company’s ability to provide tailored solutions for specialized missions, reinforcing its position as a leader in military vehicle and weapons systems integration.

Another major highlight of John Cockerill Defense’s participation in IDEX 2025 is the introduction of the Cockerill® i-X—a cutting-edge ground interceptor system designed to address emerging threats to national security. The Cockerill® i-X integrates advanced technologies such as multi-sensor data fusion, adaptive camouflage, and high-performance weapons systems, positioning it as a key tool in territorial defense. This ground interceptor represents a departure from traditional military vehicle concepts, offering the ability to engage and neutralize threats before they reach their target. With its ability to operate stealthily and at high speeds, the i-X is a perfect example of the innovative potential unlocked by the integration of ARQUUS’ vehicle platforms with John Cockerill’s weapon systems.

John Cockerill Defense’s showcase at IDEX 2025 goes beyond showcasing individual vehicles and systems; it highlights the powerful synergy between ARQUUS and JCD, two forces now united under a single banner. This acquisition positions John Cockerill Defense to deliver a new generation of military vehicles and weapon systems that are more capable, adaptable, and technologically advanced than ever before. The combination of ARQUUS' expertise in vehicle design and JCD's weapon systems integration opens up new possibilities for military forces, ensuring they are equipped with the most advanced platforms to meet the challenges of modern warfare. With this new chapter in its history, John Cockerill Defense is clearly on track to shape the future of military operations and defense technology.