The above image is for representational purposes only.
Spanish defence company Indra has agreed to act as the main systems integrator for Spain’s acquisition of amphibious vehicles currently operated by the U.S. Marine Corps.
Following Spain’s decision to procure the wheeled platform—known in the United States as the Amphibious Combat Vehicle—Indra finalised an arrangement with Italy’s IDV, the platform’s original designer, intellectual property holder, and supplier of key components.
IDV originally developed the vehicle in partnership with BAE Systems for the U.S. Marine Corps, where it is referred to as the Superav-based design. Italy has since become the second nation to adopt the system.
Under the Spanish programme, Indra will integrate mission systems across 34 vehicles supplied by IDV. In Spanish service, the platform is designated the Marine Infantry Amphibious Combat Vehicle (VACIM).
According to a joint statement from Indra and IDV, the Spanish variants will include troop transport, command and control, ambulance, and recovery configurations. These will be built on the SUPERAV 8×8 chassis and fitted with mission-specific systems required by Spain’s Ministry of Defence.
Indra was previously reported to have shown interest in acquiring IDV last year, though the Italian company was ultimately purchased by Leonardo for around €1.7 billion ($1.9 billion).
IDV and BAE Systems secured the U.S. Marine Corps contract in 2018, with deliveries beginning in late 2020 to replace the Vietnam-era Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV).
Italy later ordered 36 units in 2022, with plans to expand the fleet to 64.
The Italian version differs from the U.S. model in its armament, replacing the Kongsberg 30mm turret used by the Marines with Leonardo’s Hitrole Light remote weapon station equipped with a 12.7mm gun.
