New Delhi: India Belgium defence cooperation received a major boost after India and Belgium signed 10 defence-industrial agreements involving 15 Belgian defence companies during Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s visit to New Delhi.
The agreements focus on rockets, ammunition, drones, mine warfare systems, sensors, tank turrets, and marine engines. The partnerships aim to combine Belgian technology with India’s manufacturing capabilities under the Make in India initiative and strengthen long-term defence cooperation between the two countries.
Details of India Belgium Defence Cooperation
India and Belgium have agreed to expand defence and security cooperation through a series of industrial partnerships and government-level commitments.
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The agreements were signed during the visit of Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Belgian Defence and Foreign Trade Minister Theo Francken. Both sides emphasized co-development, co-production, technology sharing, and industrial collaboration.
The new agreements connect Belgian defence expertise with India’s growing manufacturing ecosystem, supporting the country’s push for defence self-reliance.
India Belgium Defence Cooperation: Ten Major Defence Agreements Signed
The package of agreements covers several critical defence sectors. These include:
- Rocket systems
- Ammunition production
- Mine countermeasure technologies
- Drone and counter-drone systems
- Tank turrets
- Electro-optical sensors
- Marine engines
- Maritime security solutions
The wide scope of these agreements marks one of the most comprehensive defence-industrial engagements between India and Belgium in recent years.
Exail And L&T To Strengthen Mine Warfare Capability
One of the most important agreements involves Belgian company Exail and Larsen & Toubro (L&T). Under the partnership, Exail will provide autonomous systems for India’s mine countermeasure vessel program. The first phase covers 12 vessels, with future expansion possible.
The project is expected to improve India’s ability to detect and neutralize naval mines, a key capability in modern maritime warfare.
Why Mine Countermeasure Systems Matter
Naval mines remain one of the most effective and low-cost maritime threats. Advanced mine countermeasure systems help protect ports, shipping lanes, and naval assets from underwater dangers.
For India, this capability is increasingly important as maritime security challenges continue to grow in the Indian Ocean region.
Thales And Kalyani Strategic Systems Partner On Rocket Production
Belgian defence giant Thales and Kalyani Strategic Systems have signed a strategic alliance for the local production of 70 mm rocket systems..The collaboration will focus on both unguided and laser-guided rocket variants already used by Indian forces.
Production in India is expected to strengthen domestic manufacturing while ensuring a reliable supply chain for future requirements.
Boost For Make In India
The project supports India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat goals. By manufacturing advanced defence products locally, India can reduce import dependence and create opportunities for exports in the future.
India Belgium Defence Cooperation: New Ammunition Manufacturing Facility Planned
Belgian company New Lachaussee has partnered with Temboc Classic Engineering to establish an ammunition production line in India. The facility is expected to manufacture around 100 million rounds of ammunition annually.
Industry sources estimate the project value at around ₹450 crore, making it a significant investment in India’s defence manufacturing sector.
Small Arms And Counter-Drone Cooperation Expands
FN Herstal and Kalyani Strategic Systems are exploring a joint manufacturing facility in India. The proposed center will focus on:
- Small arms production
- Integrated weapon systems
- Counter-drone solutions
- Advanced defence equipment
The partnership reflects the growing importance of anti-drone technologies in modern warfare.
Belgian Firms Join Indian Armoured Vehicle Programs
Belgian companies are also participating in India’s land warfare modernization efforts. OIP Sensor Systems is working with Indian partners on advanced electro-optical systems for armoured vehicles.
John Cockerill Defence is supplying advanced tank turret technologies designed for high-altitude operations. Testing and integration activities are already progressing.
Focus On Drone And Counter-Drone Technologies
Belgian defence companies see India as an important market for unmanned systems. Several firms are working on surveillance drones, counter-drone technologies, and autonomous defence platforms. These systems are becoming increasingly important due to the rising use of drones in modern conflicts worldwide.
Maritime Security Emerges As A Key Area
India and Belgium are also exploring cooperation in maritime security. Discussions include:
- Underwater robotics
- Autonomous maritime systems
- Port protection technologies
- Underwater infrastructure security
- Marine diesel engine development
These projects could help strengthen India’s naval and coastal security capabilities.
India Belgium Defence Cooperation: Government-Level Framework Support
Alongside industrial agreements, the two countries signed a Letter of Intent to strengthen military cooperation. The framework covers:
- Military exchanges
- Officer training
- Joint exercises
- Research cooperation
- Maritime security collaboration
Both governments have also agreed to encourage greater industrial participation and technology partnerships in the future.
Read also: India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue Explained: Key Outcomes for Defence, Trade and Technology
FAQs
Major Belgian companies involved include Exail, Thales, FN Herstal, New Lachaussee, OIP Sensor Systems, and John Cockerill Defence, among others.
India and Belgium signed 10 defence-industrial agreements covering rockets, ammunition, drones, mine countermeasure systems, sensors, tank turrets, and marine engines.
The agreements support Make in India, strengthen domestic defence manufacturing, improve technology access, enhance military capabilities, and reduce dependence on imports.
