In a significant development for India's defence sector, Belgium's John Cockerill Defense, a global leader in turret systems, has partnered with the Indian company Electro Pneumatics & Hydraulics (India) Pvt Ltd to manufacture turrets for light tanks within India.
This joint venture, with John Cockerill holding a 60% stake and Electro Pneumatics holding 40%, represents the first time John Cockerill has established a manufacturing facility outside of Belgium.
The new production plant will be located in Chakan, Pune. The partnership has been selected by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) to provide turrets for the Indian Army's Zorawar light tank project.
This collaboration is a major step towards strengthening India's self-reliance in defence production. The immediate focus is on producing turrets for the initial order of 59 Zorawar light tanks, which are specifically designed for deployment in high-altitude environments.
However, the joint venture has stated its intention to pursue broader opportunities within the Indian military. Thierry Renaudin, CEO of John Cockerill Defense, stated that the partnership extends beyond the initial Zorawar order, anticipating a total demand exceeding 350 units.
He further added that they envision involvement in other key Indian Army programs, including the Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) and the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV), a planned next-generation main battle tank.
The partnership signifies a long-term commitment to meeting India's increasing need for modern armored vehicle systems. John Cockerill Defense brings to the table its internationally recognized expertise in turret design and manufacturing, while Electro Pneumatics & Hydraulics offers its established manufacturing capabilities and knowledge of the Indian defence landscape.
According to Ingrid Rasquinha, Joint Managing Director of Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (India) Pvt Ltd, the first turret manufactured in India is expected to be completed in 2027.
The Chakan, Pune facility is envisioned to become a central location for turret production, potentially making India a significant contributor to the international defence equipment market.
The joint venture's planned expansion into the FICV and FRCV programs demonstrates its commitment to supporting the Indian Army's comprehensive modernization plans. Both the FICV and FRCV programs are aimed at providing the Indian Army with advanced combat vehicles designed to meet the challenges of future warfare scenarios.
This joint venture is occurring at a pivotal moment, as India actively works to decrease its dependence on imported defence equipment and promote domestic innovation in the defence sector.
The collaboration demonstrates the increasing trust of major international defence companies in India's manufacturing capabilities. The venture is expected not only to deliver advanced defence technology but also to generate local employment and enhance skills within India's defence industry workforce.
The Zorawar light tank project, for which these turrets are initially intended, is part of a broader effort by the Indian Army to enhance its capabilities in high-altitude terrain, particularly along its northern borders. The need for a light, agile tank for Indian Army was highlighted during recent standoffs, where the deployment of heavier tanks presented logistical challenges.
