Spain has signed a contract with TESS Defence to renew the country’s TOA M-113 armored vehicle fleet.
The company will design and manufacture the Spanish Army’s Vehículo de Apoyo de Cadenas (VAC) tracked support vehicles under the $2.2-billion deal.
The program will bolster Spain’s national defense industry, involving more than 400 national suppliers and other production structures.
The VACs will be used to carry out operational and logistical missions, equipping the army’s vehicle fleet with updated protection, mobility, and firepower.
Combat Vehicle Collaborations
First revealed this year, the VAC employs anti-tank defense, a 120-mm heavy carrier, forward observer and personnel carrier variants.
The vehicles will be equipped with 5G connectivity as well as an advanced monitoring system for optimized maintenance.
TESS Defense says that its experience developing the army’s VCR8x8 Dragon combat vehicles has proven effective in preparing the company for future arms deals with the force.
In 2022, trials for its 348-unit Dragon fleet began after passing their critical design review. The armored vehicles are set to be delivered 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.
