SOURCE: AFI
In a significant boost to India’s defense manufacturing capabilities, Belgium’s John Cockerill Defence (JCD), a global leader in turret systems, has joined forces with Pune-based Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (EPH) to produce the advanced Cockerill 3105 turret, featuring the NATO-standard Cockerill® 105 mm High Pressure (HP) Gun, in India. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in equipping the Indian Army’s Zorawar Light Tank program, designed to counter the growing presence of Chinese ZTQ-15 tanks along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The partnership, formalized as a 60:40 joint venture with JCD holding the majority stake, aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and aims to establish the country as a hub for advanced defense technology. The announcement confirms earlier reports by Indian Defence Research Wing (idrw.org), which had projected that the Indian Army would eventually procure 700 Zorawar Light Tanks in the long term. Initially, the Army plans to induct 350 units to bolster its combat readiness in high-altitude regions, a figure that gained further credence when Belgium’s Defence Minister recently stated, “A big batch of 700 Zorawar Tanks will protect Indian borders.”
The Cockerill 3105 turret, armed with a 105 mm HP Gun, brings formidable firepower to the Zorawar. Capable of firing high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), the turret features an autoloader, advanced fire control systems, and a +42-degree elevation range—crucial for engaging targets in mountainous terrain. This collaboration ensures that the Indian Army gains access to a NATO-standard weapon system while fostering local production.
The joint venture’s scope extends beyond the initial batch of 59 turrets already earmarked for the Zorawar prototypes, which are undergoing trials. The Indian Army’s broader requirement of 350 tanks, as part of Project Zorawar, is set to expand to 700 units over time, a projection first reported by idrw.org and now corroborated by the Belgian Defence Minister’s statement. This ambitious plan reflects India’s strategic intent to fortify its borders against evolving threats, particularly from China’s lightweight yet potent ZTQ-15 tanks, which weigh between 33-35 tonnes and are equipped with a 105 mm rifled gun.
The Chakan facility in Pune, where the turrets will be manufactured, is expected to roll out its first India-made unit by 2027. Beyond meeting domestic needs, the JCD-EPH partnership aims to explore export opportunities, positioning India as a potential player in the global defense supply chain. This move not only strengthens bilateral ties between India and Belgium but also underscores JCD’s confidence in India’s industrial capabilities—marking the first time the company will produce turrets outside Europe.
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