Spain confirms delivery of Uro Vamtac 4x4 multi-purpose vehicles to Ukraine.

As reported by InfoDefensa on October 1, 2024, Spain confirmed the shipment of Uro Vamtac 4x4 multi-purpose armored vehicles to Ukraine, providing significant support to the Ukrainian Army in its efforts against the Russian invasion. The Ministry of Defence announced the delivery of these armored vehicles, marking a notable contribution to Ukraine's military capabilities.
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Since its introduction in 1998, the Vamtac has been used by the Spanish Armed Forces and other countries in various military operations, with over 4,500 units produced to date. (Picture source: US DoD)

The confirmation came during a visit by the Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, to the Spanish company Urovesa’s facilities in Valga, Pontevedra on September 30, 2024, where the Vamtac vehicles are manufactured. Until now, neither the Ministry nor the manufacturer had officially commented on the shipment, although it was publicly known that Urovesa was preparing a batch for Ukraine.

Minister Robles stated that Urovesa "not only provides material to the Spanish Armed Forces but also has an important international projection. We are proud of the help it is providing to Ukraine, thanks to the vehicles that are being built here and that are being sent to it." Urovesa's CEO, Justo Sierra, added that "these are products that will guarantee new-generation, modern, and very effective material." Details regarding the number of units and specific versions were not disclosed, in line with the Ministry's policy on military aid to Ukraine.

During her tour of the assembly line, Robles observed the manufacturing process of various Vamtac versions, including the armored ambulance. The Ministry of Defence is set to receive half a dozen units of this model in the coming months under an existing framework agreement with Urovesa. The company has also developed a new version of the Vamtac NBQ, known as the Pitón, which will soon enter service in the Spanish Army.

The Vamtac is a four-wheel-drive multi-purpose vehicle powered by a Steyr turbocharged diesel engine producing 188 horsepower, enabling a top speed of 135 km/h. (Picture source: Forumdefesa.com)

Accompanied by the Secretary of State for Defence, Amparo Valcarce, Robles emphasized the high quality of the Spanish defense industry and thanked Urovesa for its ability to adapt production to specific needs. She noted that the industry provides a boost for youth employment in the region, requiring highly qualified personnel.

URO Vehículos Especiales S.A., founded in 1981, has established a training school to support its workforce of nearly 300 employees. When considering indirect jobs, this number multiplies by five, significantly impacting the economy of Pontevedra and contributing to regional development. The company designs all of its products, with 80% produced in Spain and 95% of components sourced domestically.

The Ministry of Defence highlighted that Urovesa symbolizes quality and serves as a benchmark in the design and manufacture of all-terrain and special vehicles for military and industrial use. The company exemplifies dual-use technology, applying research and development from military vehicle technology to civilian sectors, such as urban waste collection vehicles. Urovesa has collaborated with the Ministry for four decades, including on programs like NBC (Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical) reconnaissance vehicles.

Specialized variants of the Vamtac include ambulance versions, anti-tank and anti-aircraft models, command and control vehicles, and vehicles adapted for reconnaissance and support roles. (Picture source: Spanish Army)

Urovesa's facilities in Valga, where it has been headquartered for eight years, are equipped to produce up to 5,000 vehicles annually, depending on contracts and configurations. The site includes management, design, research and development areas, manufacturing spaces, warehouses, and a test track. The company also maintains facilities in Santiago de Compostela for technical assistance and after-sales services.

As reported by Army Recognition in May 2022, Spain had already delivered 20 URO Vamtac 4x4 light armored vehicles to Ukraine as part of its military support during the conflict. This delivery was included in a shipment of 200 tons of military equipment, which also comprised 30 military trucks and ammunition. At that time, the URO Vamtac vehicles were among the equipment Spain provided to Ukraine, alongside anti-tank grenade launchers, light machine guns, ammunition, and an RG-31 armored ambulance.

The URO Vamtac, or Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico, was developed by the Spanish company UROVESA to meet the Spanish military’s requirement for a high-mobility, air-transportable, off-road vehicle. Development began in the mid-1990s, with the vehicle entering production in 1998 after successful trials. Since its introduction, the Vamtac has been used by the Spanish Armed Forces and other countries in various military operations, with over 4,500 units produced to date.

Urovesa's facilities in Valga, where it has been headquartered for eight years, are equipped to produce up to 5,000 vehicles annually, depending on contracts and configurations. (Picture source: NATO)

The Vamtac is a four-wheel-drive multi-purpose vehicle powered by a Steyr turbocharged diesel engine generating 188 metric horsepower (138 kW). It is equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission and has a length of 4.845 meters, a width of 2.175 meters, and a height of 1.9 meters. The vehicle's payload capacity ranges from 1,500 to 2,000 kilograms, and it has an operational range of over 600 kilometers. It can reach a maximum speed of 135 kilometers per hour and is designed to handle steep gradients and uneven terrain.

There are several variants of the Vamtac to support different operational needs. The three main models are the I3, S3, and ST5. Specialized variants include ambulance versions, anti-tank and anti-aircraft models, command and control vehicles, and vehicles adapted for reconnaissance and support roles. These variants are designed to carry different types of weaponry, including machine guns, missile systems, and communication equipment.

The Vamtac is used by a number of countries beyond Spain, including Malaysia, Morocco, the Dominican Republic, Romania, and Ukraine. The Spanish Armed Forces remain the largest operator, with approximately 2,900 units in service. Other notable operators include Iraq, Portugal, and possibly the United Kingdom. As of 2017, the vehicle has been adopted by more than 20 countries, with over 50 different configurations in use.