Belgian defence company to assemble drones near Mechelen
The Belgian defence company COBBS Belux plans to start assembling drones in Bonheiden, close to Mechelen, in the near future. On Thursday, it signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to that effect during the Belgian economic mission to California.
Until now, COBBS Belux has been a reseller of drones, including those from American defense technology company Anduril. The two companies have now reached a deal that would allow drones to be assembled in Bonheiden. Financial details were not disclosed.
According to COBBS Belux CEO Michaël Rummens, the intention is to start small, producing a few hundred drones per year initially, with the possibility of scaling up in the future.
Like LEGO
The number of employees involved in production will initially be around ten, rising to 25 next year. Rummens says that Anduril's drones are comparable to a LEGO construction kit, "so you don't need many people to produce them."
COBBS Belux also plans to conduct research and development (R&D) on drones and counter-drones in Bonheiden. According to Rummens, "acquiring knowledge is the best way to keep up and ensures strategic autonomy."
"Acquiring knowledge is the best way to keep up and ensures strategic autonomy"
While the Ministry of Defence has previously collaborated with COBBS and Anduril, it is not yet certain whether it will purchase the drones that will be manufactured in Bonheiden, according to Defence minister Theo Francken.
Still, Francken says he welcomes the MoU. "This collaboration with COBBS demonstrates the value of working with innovative defence technology companies that are willing to invest locally and support our security, sovereignty, and long-term commitments to NATO and our allies."
#FlandersNewsService | US soldiers work at an Anduril Ghost X drone at the Hohenfels Training Area in southern Germany. PHOTO © ARMIN WEIGEL / AFP
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