A new step in Spain’s defense modernization is underway, with Indra and Iveco Defense Vehicles (IDV) teaming up to develop the country’s new Marine Infantry Amphibious Combat Vehicle.
The vehicle will be based on the SUPERAV 8×8 amphibious platform and configured into multiple operational variants tailored for Marine infantry missions.
Indra will be responsible for integrating mission systems, including command and control, situational awareness, and the remote weapon station.
While delivery timelines have not been disclosed, the Spanish Ministry of Defense has already allocated 374 million euros ($441 million) for the program.
Integration work will take place at Indra’s Gijón facility, along with a second production site that has yet to be confirmed.
“The collaboration with IDV will constitute a decisive step … to equip the Spanish Marine Infantry with the capabilities required by today’s demanding scenarios,” said Frank Torres, chief product officer and managing director of Indra Land Vehicles.
“The contract … will enhance the amphibious capabilities of our armed forces and enable Indra to continue establishing a robust, innovative, and forward-thinking industrial base.”
The contract covers 34 vehicles across multiple variants: troop carriers, command post units, recovery vehicles, and ambulances.
The Core Platform
The SUPERAV measures 8.7 meters (28.7 feet) in length and 3.12 meters (10.2 feet) in width, with an empty weight of 27,500 kilograms (60,627 pounds).
It reaches speeds of up to 105 kilometers (65 miles) per hour on land and up to 6 knots (11 kilometers/7 miles per hour) in amphibious mode.
The vehicle is powered by Fiat Powertrain Technologies’ CURSOR 16 engine producing 700 horsepower, paired with an automatic transmission with a power take-off system.
It can carry a crew of three plus 13 embarked personnel, and boasts a payload capacity of 4,000 kilograms (8,818 pounds).
Designed to withstand challenging sea conditions, SUPERAV supports ship-to-shore and shore-to-objective maneuvers.
It can be fitted with remotely operated, medium-caliber turrets ranging from 12.7mm to 40mm, and integrates command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) systems.
