India's EPHL and Belgium's JCD have formed a joint venture (JV) in India for the Light Tank Program.

National

In March 2025, John Cockerill Defence (JCD), a leading manufacturer of tank turrets based in Seraing (Belgium), and Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics Private Limited (EPHL) from Pune (Maharashtra), announced a joint venture (JV) in India.


      - This collaboration is an important step in strengthening defense ties between India and Belgium while enhancing India's self-reliant military capabilities.

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) The JV will mainly focus on the Indian Army's (IA) Light Tank program, specifically the Zorawar tank. Zorawar is a light tank developed jointly by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and is currently undergoing advanced trials.

      (ii) The JV will operate on a 60:40 ratio, with JCD holding the majority share. This ensures that advanced turret technology is transferred to India, supporting the country’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) defense initiative.

(iii) Additionally, Thales Belgium, based in Brussels (Belgium), has teamed up with India’s state-owned Armoured Vehicle Nigam Ltd (AVNL) in Avadi (Chennai). Together, they will integrate a 70mm rocket system onto military vehicles for the Indian armed forces. In 2025, a key milestone will be a joint demonstration, including live firing exercises, as per Belgian embassy officials.

          ____________________________