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Spain Equips Its Paratroopers with New EIMOS Mortars Mounted on VAMTAC All-Terrain Vehicles.


On January 22, 2025, Spain's “Almogávares” VI Paratrooper Brigade (BRIPAC) became one of the first Spanish military units to be equipped with the new EIMOS mortars mounted on the VAMTAC ST5 all-terrain vehicle. This new fire support system was officially received by the BRIPAC at the end of 2024, marking an important step in strengthening the operational capabilities of the Spanish Army's infantry units. This was reported by Infodefensa on January 22, 2025.

The EIMOS mortars are mounted on the VAMTAC ST5 all-terrain vehicle. (Picture source: Army Recognition)


The EIMOS (Expal Integrated Mortar System) is currently in use by the Second Paratrooper Battalion "Roger de Lauria" at the Paracuellos de Jarama base near Madrid. The system is used for training purposes, and more units are expected to be delivered soon. This delivery comes from the nearby Park and Maintenance Center of Wheeled Vehicles (PCMVR) nº 1, where Rheinmetall Expal Munitions, the system’s supplier, handed over the equipment to the Spanish Army.

In preparation for the new system, a small team of BRIPAC personnel attended a specialized maintenance training course last year at Rheinmetall Expal’s plant in Albacete. Additionally, members of both the Second Paratrooper Battalion and the “Príncipe” Infantry Regiment no. 3, part of the "Galicia" VII Brigade, also underwent a two-week technical training course at the BRIPAC’s facilities, conducted by Rheinmetall Expal technicians.

The "Galicia" VII Brigade is currently leading the Spanish contingent within the Multinational Brigade Slovakia (MN BDE SVK), a deployment that replaced the BRIPAC’s participation. In this multinational context, a support fires section equipped with the veteran Soltam Cardom mortar system, produced by the Israeli company Elbit, is deployed. This system also utilizes the VAMTAC ST5 as its mobile platform, which is planned to be replaced in the future by the EIMOS system.

At the end of 2023, the Spanish Army’s Logistic Support Command (MALE) signed a contract with Rheinmetall Expal Systems for the acquisition of an initial batch of EIMOS mortars, valued at €8.2 million (approximately €10 million including VAT). The system is one of the fundamental components of the Army’s modernization, having been selected, evaluated, and tested within the framework of the “Fuerza 35” project. This experimental unit, reporting to the "Alfonso XII" Brigade no. II of the Spanish Legion has also received its share of the first batch of EIMOS mortars.

The EIMOS is a solution developed by Expal (now part of Rheinmetall Expal Munitions) to fulfill a research and development program launched by Spain’s Ministry of Defence. It is designed to meet the needs of the Spanish Army and Navy (Marine Infantry) and provide a modern self-propelled mortar system.

One of the most remarkable features of the EIMOS system is its fully automated firing control and 360º aiming capability, allowing for precise firing without requiring the vehicle to change its position or orientation. This advanced functionality enhances the "shoot and scoot" tactic—firing support shots and quickly relocating to avoid counter-battery fire.

The choice of the VAMTAC ST5, the Spanish military’s standard 4x4 armored platform, ensures seamless integration of the EIMOS system, especially for logistical support and maintenance. This is a key advantage for international deployments, such as Spain’s current involvement in Slovakia.

Traditionally, most of the Spanish Army’s mortars require fixed emplacement, with entry and exit times that can limit the responsiveness of fire support operations. The EIMOS, however, allows for highly accurate firing on the move, eliminating the need for hydraulic mounts for stabilization during firing. Thus, compared to systems like the Soltam Cardom, positioning times are reduced.

Positioning and firing calculations are fully automated via the TALOS Command and Control System, which is also used by the Spanish Army’s field artillery units, ensuring interoperability across different platforms and enhancing operational efficiency.

The EIMOS system represents a major leap in the Spanish Army’s mortar capabilities, offering increased mobility, precision, and operational flexibility. As the Army continues to modernize to meet the demands of modern warfare, the EIMOS system is set to play a key role in ensuring effective and rapid fire support, both in national and international operations. With more units expected to be delivered, the EIMOS system is destined to strengthen the capabilities of Spain’s armed forces in the years to come.


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