The above image is for representational purposes only.
Defense manufacturers interested in a potential Spanish contract for a new six-wheeled armored vehicle gathered in Madrid this week for the Feindef defense exhibition, held every two years. They showcased new designs and forged partnerships aimed at supplying armor solutions for Spain’s ground forces.
Spain’s Technology & Security Developments (TDS), Grupo Oesía, Turkey’s FNSS Savunma Sistemleri, and Belgium’s John Cockerill Defense announced a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday to deliver a six-wheeled cavalry vehicle to the Spanish Army, according to a joint statement from the companies.
The consortium emphasized their goal to provide the Spanish Army with a ready-to-use vehicle, backed by local logistics and full life cycle support. Their design is tailored specifically for cavalry missions and to offer firepower support for expeditionary units.
Currently, Spain’s Ejercito de Tierra operates the 6×6 BMR, a 15-ton vehicle developed over 40 years ago by Santa Bárbara Sistemas, now part of General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS). The army is in the process of updating part of its wheeled fleet with the heavier and costlier 8×8 Dragón, which has experienced delays and reported mechanical issues, according to local news sources.
In October, Indra acquired a controlling interest in the consortium behind the Dragón, purchasing shares from GDELS, SAPA, and Escribano Mechanical and Engineering (EM&E).
Separately, EM&E showcased its Ferox 6×6 armored vehicle at Feindef. This follows an agreement signed in February with NIMR Automotive, a subsidiary of the UAE’s EDGE group, to manufacture six-wheeled armored vehicles in Spain. The partnership includes knowledge transfer and a plan for gradual national industrialization, with design leadership based in Spain, EM&E stated.
Fernando Fernández, EM&E’s CEO, described the vehicle as the start of a new chapter for the company in the armored vehicle sector.
Meanwhile, Rheinmetall and Indra announced on Tuesday a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on armored vehicle projects for the Spanish military. Eduardo Veen Martinez, CEO of Rheinmetall’s tactical vehicles division, said the alliance aims to support Spain’s efforts to modernize its combat vehicle fleet.
GDELS also presented its Pandur 6×6 EVO armored vehicle at the Madrid event, highlighting its continued commitment to the Spanish armed forces and the country’s defense industrial policy.
Additionally, GDELS introduced a new tracked artillery system named the Ascod Nemesis, featuring a 155mm artillery gun module developed by KNDS mounted on an Ascod tracked chassis.
