National, 4th March 2025: John Cockerill Defense, a global leader in advanced defense systems and industrial engineering, and Electro Pneumatics & Hydraulics Pvt Ltd, a renowned Indian defense technology company, have entered into a Joint Venture (JV) Agreement for combining their technological, manufacturing and innovation capabilities to strengthen India’s defense ecosystem. This partnership is aligned with the ‘Make in India’ initiative and enables a greater degree of self-reliance for the country in defense manufacturing.

The JV will focus on manufacturing, assembling, and commissioning turrets for the Indian Army’s Indian Light Tank (I.L.T) program, a critical initiative aimed at enhancing India’s defense capabilities in extreme and challenging terrains. The joint venture will harness John Cockerill’s global expertise in advanced weapon systems and Electro Pneumatics & Hydraulics’ extensive local knowledge to provide world-class defense solutions tailored to the specific needs of the Indian armed forces. The JV gives a significant boost to India’s domestic defense production capabilities and strengthens India’s position as a key player in global defense technology development and manufacturing.

Speaking about the Joint Venture, Thierry Renaudin, Chief Executive Officer, John Cockerill Defense, said: “John Cockerill is a partner to India in making the country a manufacturing hub for the world. Our joint venture with Electro Pneumatics & Hydraulics Pvt Ltd highlights our unwavering commitment to supporting India’s defense modernization and self-reliance goals. This partnership will provide India with powerful and customized defense solutions. We are grateful to Electro Pneumatics & Hydraulics for their collaboration as we work together to enhance India’s national security.”

Vivek Bhide, Regional President, India and Group Transformation Officer, John Cockerill, added: “The defense sector is critical to the security of the nation. And therefore, it is important to encourage and develop India’s defense manufacturing capabilities. This JV aims to equip India’s armed forces with advanced defense solutions for diverse and challenging combat environments. Importantly, it also answers the ‘Make in India’ call in a sector where India is working to embellish its global credentials. We are extremely happy to partner with Electro Pneumatics & Hydraulics in this critical mission.”

Speaking on the partnership, Ingrid Rasquinha, Jt. Managing Director, Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (India) Pvt Ltd, stated: “As an Indian company deeply committed to the nation’s defense modernization goals, we are delighted to partner with John Cockerill in this strategic initiative. This JV strengthens our long-standing commitment to ‘Make in India’ and ensures that world-class defense solutions are manufactured domestically for the Indian armed forces. By leveraging John Cockerill’s advanced technology and our local industrial expertise and capabilities in all core technologies, we are committed to driving innovation, localization, and world-class manufacturing for the Indian armed forces.”

Ashley Rasquinha, Jt. Managing Director, Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (India) Pvt Ltd, explained: “This partnership is more than just a business agreement; it is a commitment to India’s defense preparedness and self-reliance. Through this JV we are poised to strengthen India’s defense manufacturing credentials on the global stage. This Joint Venture marks an important milestone for EPHL and the Indian defense industry. We are proud to work alongside John Cockerill to build future-ready defense solutions that not only enhance our national security but also position India as a key player in global defense manufacturing.”

This partnership marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance in defense technology and manufacturing. With a shared vision for enhancing technological excellence, innovation, and national security, John Cockerill Defense and Electro Pneumatics & Hydraulics Pvt Ltd will work together to develop next-generation defense solutions for the Indian armed forces while also elevating the country’s credentials as a global defense manufacturing hub.