Belgium-based turret production major John Cockerill Defense has entered a joint manufacturing venture with Electro Pneumatics & Hydraulics Pvt Ltd, based in India, to set up a turret manufacturing unit in India. This is the first time ever that the company will manufacture turrets outside Belgium.
In this joint venture (JV, the company hold a 60:40 investment stake. The JV will manufacture turrets in Chakan, Pune. This collaboration is expected to support Project Zorawar of the Indian Army for the procurement of light tanks of advanced technologies. The Zorawar light tank has been developed jointly by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private defence firm Larsen & Toubro (L&T). It is currently undergoing in-house testing. L&T has utilized John Cockerill’s turret for this project.
The Indian Army’s initial procurement plan includes 59 light tanks, contingent on successful trials. Following this, L&T will compete with other firms for a larger order. The Army’s total requirement is estimated at around 350 light tanks to strengthen its capabilities along the mountainous borders against China.
CEO of John Cockerill Defense Thierry Renaudin emphasized that the joint venture is not confined to the initial 59 tanks as they anticipate a significantly larger demand beyond 350 units. As the partnership matures, it aims to expand into additional Indian Army programs, including the Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) and the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV), a next-generation main battle tank.
Project Zorawar is not solely focused on domestic needs but also aims to manufacture light tanks at the Chakan plant for global exports. Electro Pneumatics & Hydraulics (India) Pvt Ltd Joint Managing Director, Ingrid Rasquinha, stated that the first India-made turret is scheduled for rollout by 2027.
The Indian firm has prior experience in defense manufacturing, having developed launchers for the Akash Next Generation missile system and hydraulic systems for the Indian Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), both of which are undergoing trials.
Ashley Rasquinha, Joint Managing Director of Electro Pneumatics, has confirmed that the JV will look into export opportunities. John Cockerill already supplies turrets for various nations, underlining the possibilities for worldwide markets.
Vivek Bhide, Regional President India, and Group Transformation Officer, John Cockerill, placed great importance on the defense sector concerning national security. He stated the present JV is in accordance with the ‘Make in India’ Push of India, enhancing manufacturing capability in the defense and putting India stronger on the international defense market.
