The two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of defence and industrial cooperation, with an agreement to expand military ties through a dedicated defence cooperation dialogue, high-level visits, training and capacity building, the defence ministry said.<\/p>\n
According to defence and security establishment sources, Belgium also assured India during the discussions that it would not undertake defence cooperation with Pakistan involving the supply of military equipment or technology.<\/p>\n
The two countries also signed a Letter of Intent providing a framework for structured cooperation between their armed forces. It envisages training and exchanges between officers, research and development, seminars, joint exercises and cooperation in maritime security.<\/p>\n
The two sides also plan to draw up an industrial roadmap for defence cooperation. The Belgian Defence College will organise its World Study Trip in India in 2027.<\/p>\n
The visit comes as Belgium seeks to position its defence industry more firmly within India\u2019s expanding military-industrial ecosystem, while India is increasingly looking at European companies not merely as suppliers but as partners for local production, technology transfer and access to global markets.<\/p>\n
Fifteen Belgian companies accompanied the two leaders during the visit, with 10 agreements signed between Belgian and Indian defence companies.<\/p>\n
Also Read: TATA signs agreement for Javelin \u2018co-production\u2019 in India, numbers for anti-tank missile to ramp up<\/a><\/p>\n Ammunition production<\/p>\n Li\u00e8ge-based machinery manufacturer New Lachauss\u00e9e has tied up with Tembo Classic Engineering to supply a complete production line for two ammunition calibres, along with tooling for two additional calibres.<\/p>\n The facility will have a production capacity of approximately 100 million rounds a year, with the project valued at around \u20ac50 million.<\/p>\n Installation and delivery are scheduled for 2028 and 2029. New Lachauss\u00e9e will also provide spare parts, maintenance and modernisation support, potentially creating a long-term industrial relationship between the two companies.<\/p>\n Mine warfare<\/p>\n A potentially more strategically significant agreement has been signed between Exail Belgium and Larsen & Toubro, which is bidding for India\u2019s mine-countermeasure vessel programme.<\/p>\n Under the agreement, Exail will supply the autonomous systems or \u201ctoolboxes\u201d used to detect, identify and neutralise naval mines.<\/p>\n The first phase of India\u2019s programme involves 12 vessels, although the requirement could eventually expand to as many as 59 vessels, the Belgium government said.<\/p>\n Belgium sees maritime security as one of the most promising areas of future cooperation with India, including mine countermeasures, autonomous maritime systems, underwater robotics, advanced sensors and protection of critical infrastructure such as ports, pipelines and subsea data cables.<\/p>\n Belgian rockets to be made in India<\/p>\n In another significant agreement, Thales Belgium and Kalyani Strategic Systems will cooperate to assemble Thales Belgium\u2019s 70 mm rockets in India. FN Herstal explores Indian production<\/p>\n Belgian small-arms major FN Herstal has signed an agreement with Kalyani Strategic Systems to explore establishing a joint production centre in India. Belgian counter-drone technology<\/p>\n Belgian company Sol.One has partnered with DGVK Enterprises to introduce its Saboteur drone and Buzzkill and Hitchhiker interceptors to the Indian market. Electro-optics for Arjun<\/p>\n OIP Sensor Systems has signed an agreement with India Optel Limited for cooperation on electro-optical systems for the Arjun main battle tank.<\/p>\n OIP has previously supplied more than 130 sights for the Arjun Mk I. For the Arjun Mk II, the Belgian company has developed a new fire-control system capable of supporting the launch of laser-guided missiles.<\/p>\n The latest agreement could open the way for future upgrades to India\u2019s armoured platforms and potentially new generations of combat vehicles, the Belgium government noted.<\/p>\n John Cockerill & Zorawar<\/p>\n Another major agreement has been signed between John Cockerill Defense and Larsen & Toubro for the supply of a turret for the Zorawar light tank, being developed by India for high-altitude operations.<\/p>\n The agreement could give the Belgian company a role in one of India\u2019s most important new armoured-vehicle programmes.<\/p>\n Incidentally, the Belgium company had last year signed a 60:40 joint venture with Indian firm Electro Pneumatics & Hydraulics (India) Pvt Ltd to manufacture turrets in Chakan, Pune.<\/p>\n
The first rocket produced entirely in India is expected in early 2027. The arrangement will give Thales an additional production base for its international orders while allowing India to build domestic capability for the manufacture of the weapon system, the Belgium government noted.<\/p>\n
The proposed facility could manufacture FN weapons, integrated weapon systems and counter-drone systems.<\/p>\n
The Indian armed forces have sought information on the systems and are expected to conduct trials. If the systems meet military requirements, the Belgian government said this could lead to larger orders.<\/p>\n