In the near future the defence company COBBS Belux will start assembling drones at its site in Bonheiden, near Mechelen (Antwerp Province). On Thursday, the company signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to that effect during the Belgian economic mission to California.
Previously COBBS Belux has been a reseller of drones, including drones made by the American defense technology company Anduril. On Thursday the two companies signed a deal that will allow drones to be assembled at Bonheiden. The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.
COBBS Belux’s CEO Michaël Rummens told journalists that the aim is to start small. Initially, just a few hundred drones will be produced each year. However, this could possibly be upscaled in the future. The number of employees involved in production will be around ten at first and will rise to 25 next year. Mr Rummens says that Anduril's drones are comparable to a LEGO construction kit, "so you don't need many people to produce them."
R&D plans
COBBS Belux also plans to conduct research and development (R&D) on drones and counter-drone systems at Bonheiden. Mr Rummens says that, "acquiring knowledge is the best way to keep up and ensures strategic autonomy."
Although the Belgian Ministry of Defence collaborated with COBBS and Anduril in the past, it is not yet certain whether it will purchase the drones that will be manufactured in Bonheiden.
Nevertheless, the Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken (Flemish nationalist) says he welcomes the memorandum of understanding.