BEDEX 2026 Highlights Military Innovation from the Belgian and Global Defense Industry.

Belgium is accelerating its defense modernization as BEDEX 2026 in Brussels highlights new armored platforms, drone warfare systems, and advanced land combat technologies. The exhibition underscores Belgium’s push to strengthen the Belgian Armed Forces while reinforcing Europe’s defense industrial base amid evolving security challenges.

Belgium is advancing its military modernization strategy at BEDEX 2026 in Brussels, with conferences that bring together government leaders, defense manufacturers, and international industry partners to showcase next-generation armored vehicles, drone warfare systems, and advanced land combat technologies. The event highlights emerging capabilities to improve battlefield mobility, reconnaissance, and protection against modern threats, while strengthening collaboration between Belgian defense companies and global suppliers. Officials view the exhibition as a platform to accelerate procurement, support domestic innovation, and reinforce Europe’s broader defense industrial ecosystem as regional security pressures continue to drive investment in modern land warfare capabilities.

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Defense technologies and military equipment were displayed during the Brussels European Defence Exhibition and Conference (BEDEX) at Brussels Expo in Brussels, Belgium. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Defense Minister Theo Francken attended the exhibition, signaling the political importance of strengthening Belgium’s defense posture amid a rapidly changing European security environment. Their presence underscores growing national commitment to defense investment, particularly in areas such as armored vehicle modernization, unmanned systems, and counter-drone technologies. Belgium has significantly increased its defense spending trajectory in recent years to meet NATO capability targets, with modernization programs focusing on land maneuver forces and network-enabled battlefield systems.

One of the most notable capability demonstrations at BEDEX 2026 is the unveiling by Belgian defense manufacturer John Cockerill Defense of a modernized Leopard 1 main battle tank fitted with the company’s Cockerill 3105 turret. The upgrade concept illustrates how legacy armored platforms can be transformed into highly mobile fire-support vehicles capable of supporting mechanized forces in high-intensity operations.

The Cockerill 3105 turret integrates a high-pressure 105 mm cannon capable of firing NATO-standard ammunition, including advanced armor-piercing, programmable high-explosive, and anti-tank guided munitions. The turret incorporates a modern digital fire-control system, a stabilized weapon system, hunter-killer capability, and advanced day-night targeting sensors for both the commander and the gunner. These systems allow engagement of targets on the move and significantly increase accuracy against both armored and fortified threats.

In addition to its main armament, the turret features a remotely operated weapon station for close-range protection and integrated battlefield management systems enabling network connectivity with other combat platforms. When installed on the Leopard 1 chassis, the system creates a lightweight, high-mobility direct-fire support platform suitable for expeditionary forces, rapid-deployment units, and reconnaissance formations that require heavy firepower without the logistical burden of modern main battle tanks weighing more than 60 tons.

The concept reflects a broader trend among European armies and partner nations seeking cost-effective armored upgrades while awaiting future-generation main battle tank programs, such as the Franco-German Main Ground Combat System. Modernized platforms like the Leopard 1 equipped with advanced turrets can deliver credible firepower while maintaining lower operational costs and improved strategic mobility.

Beyond armored systems, BEDEX 2026 highlights the rapidly expanding role of unmanned aerial systems and counter-drone technologies in modern warfare. Multiple Belgian and international defense companies are presenting new drone platforms for reconnaissance, targeting, and tactical strike missions, alongside electronic warfare and kinetic systems designed to neutralize hostile unmanned aircraft.

Among the international exhibitors, U.S. defense technology company Anduril Industries is demonstrating several of its latest autonomous aerial and counter-drone solutions. The company has gained prominence for developing AI-enabled defense systems that detect, track, and defeat unmanned threats while integrating data from multiple sensors.

Anduril’s portfolio includes autonomous surveillance drones, advanced sensor networks, and counter-unmanned aerial system technologies capable of identifying and intercepting small drones that increasingly dominate modern battlefields. These systems combine radar, electro-optical sensors, and artificial intelligence algorithms to detect low-signature aerial threats and coordinate defensive responses across layered protection networks.

The focus on counter-drone capabilities reflects operational lessons learned from recent conflicts, where inexpensive commercial and military drones have transformed reconnaissance and strike operations. Modern armies must now deploy integrated detection and interception solutions capable of protecting bases, armored formations, and critical infrastructure against persistent aerial surveillance and attack.

BEDEX 2026 also provides insight into the ongoing transformation of the Belgian Army’s land forces through the introduction of a new generation of French-designed combat vehicles developed under the CaMo (Capacité Motorisée) strategic partnership between Belgium and France. This program is fundamentally reshaping Belgium’s motorized brigade structure by replacing older armored vehicles with highly networked platforms.

The Belgian Army is fielding three key vehicles from the French Scorpion family: the Griffon multi-role armored vehicle, the Serval light armored vehicle, and the Jaguar reconnaissance and combat vehicle. Together, these platforms form the backbone of a digitally connected maneuver force designed for high-intensity operations and NATO interoperability.

The Griffon VBMR serves as the primary troop transport but will also be tailored for other missions and roles, offering enhanced ballistic and mine protection, integrated battlefield management systems, and modular mission configurations, including infantry transport, command post, and medical evacuation roles. Powered by a 400-horsepower engine and capable of speeds exceeding 90 km/h, the 6x6 vehicle combines mobility with survivability in contested environments.

Complementing the Griffon is the Serval light armored vehicle, designed for rapid-deployment missions and specialized roles such as reconnaissance, air defense coordination, and electronic warfare support. Its lighter weight and high mobility allow it to operate alongside airborne or rapid-reaction forces while still benefiting from advanced communication systems integrated within the Scorpion architecture.

The Jaguar EBRC represents the heavy reconnaissance and fire-support component of the fleet. Armed with a 40 mm CTA cannon, anti-tank guided missiles, and a remotely operated weapon system, the Jaguar provides long-range engagement capability against armored threats while conducting reconnaissance missions. Advanced sensors, including mast-mounted optics and battlefield networking systems, allow the vehicle to detect and designate targets for other units within the force.

These vehicles are integrated through the Scorpion combat information system, which enables real-time data sharing between platforms, command centers, and dismounted soldiers. This digital connectivity dramatically improves situational awareness and coordination during complex operations.

The presence of these platforms at BEDEX demonstrates Belgium’s shift toward a fully networked land force capable of operating seamlessly with French and other NATO units. The CaMo partnership has become one of the most significant defense cooperation programs in Europe, aligning doctrine, training, and equipment between the two countries.

Across the exhibition floor, BEDEX 2026 provides a broader overview of emerging defense technologies shaping future military operations. Visitors can explore a wide range of innovations, including autonomous ground vehicles, next-generation sensors, advanced armored vehicle protection systems, and electronic warfare solutions designed to counter both aerial and ground-based threats.

Belgian defense companies are using the exhibition to highlight their role in the European defense industrial base, particularly in turret technology, weapons systems, digital battlefield architecture, and vehicle integration. International companies, meanwhile, are presenting technologies aligned with NATO's modernization priorities, including unmanned systems, integrated air defense, and AI-enabled decision-support tools.

The exhibition demonstrates how defense innovation is increasingly driven by the need to combine traditional armored firepower with digital connectivity, autonomous systems, and layered air defense capabilities. The modern battlefield demands platforms capable of operating within complex sensor networks while responding rapidly to emerging threats ranging from armored formations to swarms of drones.

BEDEX 2026, therefore, offers more than a simple display of equipment. It provides a snapshot of the evolving architecture of European land warfare, where mobility, network integration, and unmanned technologies are becoming central to operational effectiveness.

As Belgium continues to modernize its armed forces and strengthen its defense industry partnerships, the technologies presented in Brussels illustrate how the country is positioning itself within NATO’s evolving defense ecosystem. From upgraded armored vehicles to advanced drone defense networks, the capabilities highlighted at BEDEX 2026 reflect the strategic priority of preparing European forces for the technological demands of future conflicts.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.