Bernard Clermont

Senior Expert – Land Defence, Industrial Strategy & Innovation

Bernard Clermont has over 40 years of experience in the land defence industry, with extensive expertise in industrial strategy, technological innovation, defence systems development and international partnerships.

Throughout his career, he has held several senior management positions at John Cockerill Defense (formerly CMI Defence), including Vice-President for Belgian and European Institutional Affairs, Managing Director of CMI Defence France and CEO of Agueris. He has also led innovation, business development and major programmes, contributing to the development of next-generation land defence systems.

His expertise spans the entire defence capability development cycle, from identifying operational requirements and designing technological solutions to product strategy, complex programme management, funding and industrial partnerships.

With extensive international experience across Europe, the United States, the Middle East and India, he has in-depth knowledge of European institutions and NATO. He has represented the defence industry within major organisations, including ASD, EDA and AGORIA/BSDI, and has led the establishment of industrial consortia, as well as the preparation and implementation of funded projects, particularly within European defence and innovation programmes.

Bernard Clermont holds a Master’s degree in Electromechanical and Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Liège and an Executive Master’s degree in Technology Management from Solvay Brussels School (ULB).