Seeks to Exploit “Strong International Demand”
At IDEX 2023 earlier this month, John Cockerill Defense and NIMR, an EDGE Group company, signed a strategic teaming arrangement aimed at jointly exploring opportunities for the development and marketing of the innovative Cockerill 1-X.
Having launched the vehicle last year, the Belgian company has completed successful mobility and live fire trials that achieved what the company terms “impressive results” in off-road speed, firing stability and accuracy and firepower. This has resulted in “strong international demand,” which the agreement positions the two partners to be able to respond to in the most effective manner.
The companies will collaborate exclusively on the next phase, defining a common approach to bring the Cockerill i-X to market, with Cockerill’s experience in lethality and NIMR’s in mobility combining to accelerate the process. The highly mobile, powerfully-armed Cockerill i-X Interceptor reflects extensive experience in the field of rally raid. Combining the proven firepower of a 25mm with advanced AI, it offers an innovative break with traditional concepts, pushing operational limits to new horizons. Thierry Renaudin, CEO of John Cockerill Defense, commented “[NIMR] have shown themselves to be fully committed to the development and production of combat-proven military vehicles. Our joint knowledge and experience will enable us to make the Cockerill i-X the weapon system of the future that will best meet the needs of international armed forces.”
Abri du Plessis, NIMR CEO, added that the agreement “lays the foundation for collectively strengthening our capabilities and meeting the demand for the Cockerill i-X in key target markets. The Cockerill i-X has performed exceptionally well in a series of trials and tests, demonstrating high speeds on and off-road and technologically advanced weapon systems. Fostering strategic partnerships is a core priority for EDGE and NIMR, and negotiations will continue to iron out a potential joint venture arrangement in due course.”
For a brief video showcasing some of the i-X’s capabilities, click here.
