As drones become an increasingly prevalent threat on operational theatres, John Cockerill Defense is fully mobilising its teams to deliver concrete solutions, drawing on a comprehensive range of weapon systems and innovative technologies. At Eurosatory 2026, discover on our stand and those of our partners our dedicated responses to the self-protection of armoured vehicles. The French MoD will present the Operational Adaptation Kit for Counter-UAV (KAO LAD), integrated on a T1 Hornet remote-controlled turret mounted on a 4×4 Serval armoured vehicle. This experimentation, conducted in close collaboration between John Cockerill Defense, the French Defense procurement agency (DGA) and the Army Technical Section (STAT), demonstrates the ability of a turret to integrate a radar system and a tailored fire control solution to detect and neutralise drones.
Results can be seen directly on the French MoD stand. On the John Cockerill Defense stand, an operational version of this turret, named Hornet Air Guard, will be on display with enhanced detection and radio frequency (RF) neutralisation capabilities, developed in partnership with MC2. Three Hornet Air Guard systems are also be exhibited on the stands of MBDA, Thales and AM General.As the drone threat is not limited to troop transport vehicles, a new concept based on the Hornet S or T3 turrets, including those in service on the Jaguar reconnaissance vehicle, will be unveiled for the first time. The Hornet S Air Guard aims to provide 360° detection capability to medium and large-calibre turrets.
These various configurations integrate internally developed technology building blocks, including artificial intelligence solutions for automatic drone detection and tracking, as well as the adaptation of the CLWS turret armed with a 25 mm cannon for specialised counter drone missions. With this offering, John Cockerill Defense positions itself as a reference player in the field of comprehensive counter-drone solutions, designed to be easily integrated and deployed on armoured vehicles. John Cockerill, formerly Cockerill Maintenance & Ingénierie (CMI), is a mechanical engineering group headquartered in Seraing, Belgium. It produces machinery for steel plants, industrial heat recovery equipment and boilers, as well as shunting locomotives and military equipment.
John Cockerill, formerly Cockerill Maintenance & Ingénierie (CMI), is a mechanical engineering group headquartered in Seraing, Belgium. It produces machinery for steel plants, industrial heat recovery equipment and boilers, as well as shunting locomotives and military equipment. The company’s primary business is in metal mechanical engineering with emphasis on machinery related to or using in steelworks; maintenance, refurbishment and repair of equipment is also part of the companies business. In 2004, the company was renamed Cockerill Maintenance & Ingénierie (CMI), then it changed back to its original name John Cockerill in May 2019. The defence sub-division’s primary products are 90mm guns and turrets for light armoured vehicles.
