India and Belgium are moving to deepen defence and industrial cooperation, with 10 agreements set to be signed between companies from the two countries.
The partnerships cover ammunition, naval mine systems, rockets, sensors, tanks, drones and marine engines, marking a broader push to connect Belgian defence technology with Indian manufacturing.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Defence and Foreign Trade Minister Theo Francken are visiting India with a delegation of 15 defence companies. The visit also includes talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a Letter of Intent with the Indian Defence Ministry covering military training, officer exchanges, research, joint exercises and maritime security.
What are the 10 India-Belgium defence agreements?
One of the biggest projects involves Exail Belgium and Larsen & Toubro. Exail will supply autonomous systems for mine countermeasure vessels being built by L&T. The first phase covers 12 vessels, with the programme potentially expanding to 59 ships.
Thales Belgium and Kalyani Strategic Systems are working on local assembly of 70 mm rockets in India. The first rocket fully produced in India is expected in early 2027.
Another agreement involves New Lachaussée and Tembo Classic Engineering, covering a production line capable of making around 100 million ammunition rounds a year. The project is valued at €50 million.
FN Herstal and Kalyani Strategic Systems are exploring a joint manufacturing centre for weapons, integrated weapon systems and counter-drone equipment.
Tanks, drones and air defence part of the plan
Belgian companies are also looking at Indian programmes in armour, surveillance and unmanned systems.
OIP Sensor Systems is continuing work with India Optel on electro-optical systems for the Arjun tank. John Cockerill Defense is in the race to supply a turret for India’s Zorawar light tank.
Sol.One is working with DGVK Enterprises to introduce its Saboteur drone and interceptor systems in India, with testing expected by the Indian Armed Forces.
Octave is already involved in Indian air-defence programmes through Bharat Electronics, including Akash Teer, ARUDHRA, IPSS and IACCS.
Maritime security takes centre stage
Belgium sees maritime security as a major area for future cooperation. India is looking to expand capabilities in mine warfare, underwater robotics, autonomous systems and protection of ports, pipelines and subsea cables.
Francken said, “India is a rapidly growing economy and a major military power in the Indo-Pacific.”
He added, “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.”
The two countries also plan to develop an industrial roadmap aimed at expanding defence manufacturing and co-development under India’s Make in India programme.
