Belgian Army Begins Testing Cockerill i-X Hybrid Armored Vehicle

The Belgian Armed Forces have begun testing Cockerill i-X, a hybrid armored vehicle developed by the local company John Cockerill Defense.

Testing is being conducted by the 1st/3rd Lancers Battalion of the Motorized Brigade, according to a statement by the battalion’s commander, Lieutenant Colonel Verbreck Benoit, posted on social media platform X.

“We welcome a team from John Cockerill. With the prior authorisation of @BelgiumDefence, this company is carrying out tests in connection with the i-X development. Our Lancers are taking part in these trials with their renowned professionalism. It is a great opportunity to learn more about this highly innovative tactical concept and to establish links between industry, military and academia,” he said.

John Cockerill Defense first unveiled its new Cockerill i-X armored vehicle (“i” stands for “interceptor” and “X” for “modular multi-purpose system”) in 2023.

The platform blends weapon systems expertise with off-road rally experience, offering high-speed performance both on- and off-road.

I-X is powered by a hybrid drive or a conventional internal combustion engine, and features stealth-focused design elements, including a retractable weapons module that can be concealed during transit to reduce thermal and acoustic signatures.

The vehicle includes a multi-sensor detection suite, data fusion capabilities, and is compatible with a smart helmet system, onboard artificial intelligence, cameras, and acoustic shot detection.

Its combat module can be configured with a variety of weapon systems, including machine guns, autocannons up to 30 mm, and guided missiles, depending on mission requirements.

This armored vehicle was the first such product for Cockerill. This company is known primarily for its combat modules and modernization programs offered for various types of armored vehicles. It carries out work, including on equipment transferred to Ukraine. However, in 2024 the company acquired the French armored vehicle manufacturer Arquus.

“The combination of the production of light tank turrets, as well as vehicles from John Cockerill Defense and Arquus will provide an important synergistic effect that will lead to the creation of more innovative and competitive vehicles for equipping ground forces around the world,” the company said at the time.