India, Belgium to strengthen defence MOU
India, Belgium to strengthen defence, semiconductors ties
This is Bart De Wever’s first visit to India since taking office as Belgian Prime Minister in February 2025.
AREA OF cooperate and pacts were signed
From
- maritime security
- military hardware,
- drones
- rockets — India and Belgium decided to cooperate and pacts were signed between the two sides,
- as Belgian Defence minister Theo Francken met Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday.
Belgian minister Francken
who has the portfolio of defence and foreign trade, is accompanying Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever and met Defence minister Rajnath Singh.
According to Belgian officials, the mission focuses on the
“growing interconnectedness of security in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, closer military cooperation and concrete opportunities for our defence companies”. At least 15 companies are part of the delegation.
Francken stressed the geostrategic importance of this strategic pact with India,
“India is a
- rapidly growing economy
- a major military power in the Indo-Pacific.
- The country is also strategically located along some of the world’s most important trade routes.
- For an open trading nation like Belgium, the security of these sea lanes is vital.
Europe’s security NEED OF INDIA
At the same time, Europe’s security is increasingly interconnected with developments in Asia.
Russia is waging war
in Ukraine and is cooperating ever more closely with Iran and North Korea in the military sphere.
China is
becoming increasingly assertive in the Indo-Pacific.
What happens in Asia has consequences for Europe. And vice versa. Our security does not stop at our borders. That is why we need to work more closely with strong partners such as India: militarily, technologically and industrially.”
The two sides signed a Letter of Intent
which provides a clear framework for structural cooperation between the two countries’ armed forces.
This includes
- training
- exchanges between officers,
- research and development,
- seminars
- joint exercises and cooperation on maritime security.
- The two countries also intend to develop an industrial roadmap.
- The Belgian Defence College
also plans to organise its World Study Trip in India in 2027.
Not non-binding declarations
“We have built trust. Now we need to translate that into concrete cooperation. Not non-binding declarations, but joint training, industrial projects and opportunities for our companies,” says Francken.
Maritime security is a key area of focus
India wants to strengthen its capabilities in
- mine countermeasures,
- autonomous maritime systems,
- underwater robotics,
- advanced sensors and
- the protection of critical infrastructure - ports, pipelines and subsea data cables.
Belgian industry has particularly strong expertise IN
- weapons systems,
- ammunition,
- radar,
- electro-optical sensors,
- command and control,
- and counter-drone systems. These are precisely areas in which Belgian industry has particularly strong expertise.
what we have built over the past year
Access to major programmes, industrial cooperation and tangible results.
Every project that connects our technology with India’s growing defence industry strengthens both our security and our economic position. That means expertise, contracts and jobs in our country,” Minister Francken said.
Concrete industrial cooperation
• New Lachaussée – Tembo Classic Engineering:
The Liège-based machinery manufacturer will supply a complete production line for two ammunition calibres, as well as tooling for two additional calibres.
The installation will have a production capacity of approximately 100 million rounds per year.
The project is worth €50 million. Delivery is scheduled for 2028 and 2029. The supplier of the machinery will also provide
- spare parts,
- maintenance
- modernisation for years to come.
• Exail Belgium – Larsen & Toubro:
Larsen & Toubro is building the mine countermeasure vessels. Exail will supply the autonomous toolboxes used to
- detect,
- identify
- neutralise naval mines.
The first phase covers twelve vessels, but the programme could eventually expand to as many as 59.
Exail is therefore exporting not only Belgian technology, but also the innovative mine countermeasure concept in which our country is a global leader. This is by far the largest industrial project of the mission.
• Thales Belgium – Kalyani Strategic Systems:
Thales Belgium’s 70 mm rockets will now also be assembled in India, with Indian suppliers participating in the production process.
The first rocket produced entirely in India is expected in early 2027.
The cooperation works both ways:
India develops its own production capacity, while Thales gains an additional source of supply for its international orders. At a time of scarcity, this also strengthens European security of supply.
• FN Herstal – Kalyani Strategic Systems:
FN Herstal and the defence arm of Bharat Forge are exploring the establishment of a joint production centre in India.
The facility would manufacture
- FN weapons,
- integrated weapon systems and
- counter-drone systems.
• Pitagone – Krishna Allied:
The Brussels-based manufacturer of mobile barriers designed to protect against vehicle attacks is establishing the Pitagone India joint venture together with Krishna Allied. Pitagone Belgium will retain a 51% majority stake.
The new company will manufacture and sell its products locally. It is a targeted project within a specific security niche, but one with clear growth potential. Pitagone also intends to use India as a base from which to serve other markets in Southeast Asia.
Sol.One – DGVK Enterprises:
The Flemish drone manufacturer is working with an Indian industrial partner to introduce its Saboteur drone / LIKE PLANE
and its Buzzkill and Hitchhiker interceptors to the Indian market.
The Indian Armed Forces have requested information and want to test the systems. If those tests prove successful, this could quickly lead to a large-scale order.
• OIP Sensor Systems – India Optel Limited:
OIP and Indian state-owned company India Optel are continuing their cooperation on the electro-optical systems for the Arjun main battle tank.
OIP has previously supplied more than 130 sights for the Arjun MK I. For the MK II, the company developed a new fire-control system that can also launch laser-guided missiles.
The agreement opens the door to future upgrades and new generations of armoured vehicles. This is strategically important at a time when foreign competitors are also increasingly targeting this market.
• John Cockerill Defense – Larsen & Toubro:
John Cockerill Defense - is a candidate to supply the turret for the Zorawar, the light tank India is developing for high-altitude operations.
The programme has been delayed due to additional requirements and a redesign.
The Zorawar is directly linked to India’s military build-up along its border with China. During the previous economic mission, John Cockerill’s bid received the necessary political support. The next step is to move the project forward.
• Octave – Bharat Electronics Limited:
The Leuven-based specialist in visualisation software is working with Bharat Electronics, India’s largest defence electronics group.
Octave’s technology - is already operating at the heart of several Indian air-defence programmes, including
- Akash Teer,
- ARUDHRA,
- IPSS and
- IACCS.
• Anglo Belgian Corporation – Kirloskar:
The Ghent-based marine engine manufacturer is in talks with Kirloskar Oil Engines.
The Indian company has been commissioned to build the first fully Indian-developed 6 MW marine diesel engine and is looking to ABC’s expertise to help achieve this.
Cooperation would give ABC significant access to future Indian naval programmes.
SOURCE IE
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