Anduril's Kit-based Drones to be Assembled by Cobbs in Belgium
- Anduril Industries and COBBS BELUX BV have signed an agreement to explore opportunities for the localisation of advanced defence technologies in Belgium.
The partnership will initially focus on final assembly, maintenance and possible future developments, with the aim of strengthening Belgian industry and NATO capabilities.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Belgium's Royal highness Princess Astrid and Minister of Defense Theo Francken .
According to Cobbs CEO Michaël Rummens, the company intends to start small, producing a few hundred drones per year before scaling up. Staff numbers will initially grow to about ten people, with plans to expand to around 25 employees next year.
“Anduril has developed a kit-based drone system - similar to what Ikea does,” Rummens told L’Écho. “With this system, you can build a drone of up to 600 kilos in just five hours.” He described Anduril’s drones as being “like Lego sets”, meaning few workers are needed for assembly.
In addition to assembly, Cobbs plans to develop research and development (R&D) activities focused on drones and counter-drone technology. “Gaining knowledge is the best way to stay competitive and ensures strategic autonomy,” Rummens said.
New Belgian Office
To support the collaboration, Anduril will open a Belgian office in Bonheiden, aiming to “strengthen local workforce training and sustainment capabilities for advanced defence technologies,” the company said in a statement.
Belgium’s new Minister of Defence, Theo Francken, reportedly visited Anduril’s facilities during the California mission and attended demonstrations of its Lattice platform — an AI system capable of autonomously identifying, tracking, and detecting individuals or vehicles over several kilometres.
Francken called Anduril a “very interesting company” with “disruptive technology” that has drastically transformed the market. In just a few years, the firm has grown into a $30 billion company employing 9,000 people.
“Anduril is making a long-term commitment to Belgium,” added Brian Schimpf, CEO of Anduril Industries to L’Écho. “Together with Cobbs, we will ensure local assembly, maintenance, and training to enhance sovereignty, resilience, and cooperation with NATO.”
