In 2025, Arquus, now integrated into the John Cockerill Group, continued to pursue and strengthen its community engagement in support of the Defence sector. Through 21 sponsorship initiatives and 17 partnerships, the company reinforced its contribution to the welfare of soldiers, the remembrance of the fallen, and the promotion of defence and citizenship values.
In this interview, Véronique Sorlet, General Manager of the John Cockerill Foundation, and Jean Bouchayer, Head of Sponsorship at Arquus, discuss the projects supported in 2025 and how these initiatives impact both beneficiaries and society.
What is the role of the John Cockerill Foundation in supporting Arquus’ community initiatives?
Véronique Sorlet: The John Cockerill Foundation oversees and implements the Group’s sponsorship policy. In this capacity, it supports the entities within the Group that wish to engage, at their own level, in the company’s societal initiatives. The Foundation thus strengthens their social actions by providing support in communication, operational matters, and financing.
What were Arquus’ main areas of engagement in 2025?
Jean Bouchayer: In 2025, we focused our efforts on three major areas that define our commitment as a responsible defence industrial company, through numerous sponsorship initiatives and internal actions to involve our employees. First, social support for Defence, at the heart of our DNA: supporting injured personnel and military families, assisting with life after service, and remaining present when the fight continues in other forms. Second, citizenship, through solidarity and sports initiatives that mobilise our employees and build social bonds. Finally, the development of the defence mindset, by supporting strategic reflection, research, and the transmission of contemporary defence issues.
How does Arquus support injured personnel and military families?
Jean Bouchayer: This is probably Arquus’ oldest and most consistent commitment. We know that behind every injury and every death, there are families, children, and life paths abruptly disrupted. Our role is to be there, in the long term, with humility and consistency. This is precisely the purpose of our support for Terre Fraternité-ADO, which provides very concrete assistance to families and injured personnel, including allowances, scholarships, and support programmes. We also support the initiative La Voile pour se reconstruire, which offers physical and psychological recovery pathways through collective effort, activity, and regained confidence.
What concrete actions were carried out in the areas of sport and remembrance?
Jean Bouchayer: Sport and remembrance are two powerful levers for recovery and transmission. In 2025, Arquus supported the Grand Relais Ultra Marin and the Rencontres Militaires Blessure et Sport. The aim of these events is to facilitate recovery through sport, by organising training sessions adapted to people with disabilities, or by running a trail with injured soldiers from the French Army to show both spectators and soldiers that it is possible to rebuild after trauma. Furthermore, 60 Arquus runners participated in the solidarity races organised by the Military Governor of Paris in support of the Bleuet de France, which, in addition to supporting bereaved families and war-injured personnel, also promotes the defence spirit and the duty of remembrance among young people. Registrations are open for the next edition, with a target of 100 Arquus runners!
Any other notable initiatives to mention?
Jean Bouchayer: Yes, notably our contribution to the Vulnerati charity dinner, which helped mobilise a network of partners around the cause of injured personnel and fund specialised care for both physical and psychological injuries.
What benefits do these initiatives bring to the company and society?
Véronique Sorlet: Arquus’ engagement in 2025 demonstrates how industrial expertise and solidarity can come together to create a real impact. Their initiatives show that supporting soldiers and their families is not only a duty, but also a way to strengthen cohesion and the values of Defence in society. The John Cockerill Foundation is proud to support and highlight this exemplary approach.
Jean Bouchayer: The impact is first and foremost human. It is reflected in recovery journeys, in support for families, and in care for injuries. But these commitments also have a strong internal effect. They reinforce pride of belonging, give meaning to the work of our teams, and remind us why we do this job. Finally, they contribute to the reputation of Arquus, showing that a defence industrial company can combine performance, responsibility, and civic engagement.
In 2025, Arquus’ community engagement demonstrates how an operational entity can act concretely while aligning with a broader corporate social responsibility strategy.
By combining local action with a strategic CSR vision, Arquus helps embody, on the ground, a broader ambition: that of a committed industrial player, aware of its role in society and faithful to the culture and values of both the Foundation and the John Cockerill Group.