Spain signs $2.2 billion deal to acquire tracked armored vehicles

Europe, News December 31, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

The Spanish Army has signed a $2.2 billion contract with Tess Defense to purchase new armored vehicles, marking a significant step in the modernization of its fleet. The vehicles will replace the Spanish Army’s aging fleet of TOA M-113 Armored Caterpillar Transport vehicles.

The procurement of new tracked combat vehicles is being made under the Spanish Defense Ministry’s Vehiculo de Apoyo de Cadenas (VAC) program which was launched back in 2021. The program aimed at replacing the country’s aging fleet of combat armored vehicles. The Spanish government allocated an estimated 2 billion euros ($2.2 billion) worth of funds for the program.

Spanish Secretary of State for Defense Maria Amparo Valcarce signed a contract with the representatives from Tess Defense, a Spanish defense manufacturer. Spanish Army would purchase 394 units of VCR 8×8 Dragon combat vehicles. The vehicle was first unveiled at the Spanish defense exhibition Feindef 2023 in Madrid in May 2023,

Tess Defense would act as the primary contractor along with other Spanish defense manufacturers, including Indra, Santa Barbara Sistemas, Escribano, and Sapa. Completion of the contract of such scale would provide a substantial boost to Spain’s defense manufacturing industry.

The VCR 8×8 Dragon utilizes the Castor platform, incorporating state-of-the-art elements like the Sapa ACT850 transmission. Noteworthy features include its adaptability to modern technologies, such as 5G connectivity, and an advanced monitoring system for streamlined maintenance processes.

Weighing approximately 34 tons, it ensures optimal mobility on both roadways and challenging terrains, boasting a top speed of 74 km/h and a range of 450 km on paved roads. Built on the reliable and robust Ascod model from GDELS-SBS, the vehicle has been designed and produced according to the NATO standards, to incorporate cutting-edge protection technologies. This increases its interoperability with NATO counterparts.

*^{VCR8x8 Dragón state-of-the-art military vehicle. (Image Credit: TESS Defence)}*

The vehicle employs anti-tank defense, a 120-mm heavy carrier, forward observer, and personnel carrier variants. The armored vehicles are set to be delivered to the Spanish Army by 2027.

“The experience acquired by TESS Defence in the VCR8x8 Program and the resources and capabilities of its partners will enable the transfer of mature technical solutions, with agility, to allow the commissioning of the VAC in a short space of time,” the company said in a statement.

Spain along with all other NATO member states have been increasing their focus on bolstering their self-defense by acquiring the latest military equipment and upgrading their arsenals, especially after Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Acquisition of such scale represents a leap forward in Spain’s terrestrial military capabilities, reflecting the constant evolution of military technology and the need to adapt to contemporary battlefield requirements.