Spain will produce Italian-based ACVs to replace outdated US amphibious vehicles.

As reported by Defensa on March 15, 2025, Spain has selected the U.S. Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV), based on the Italian Iveco SuperAV 8x8, to replace its fleet of AAV-7 vehicles in the Marine Corps. The acquisition plan includes 34 units scheduled for procurement between 2024 and 2035. Initial delays were attributed to financial constraints, but funding has now been secured, allowing the acquisition process to begin in 2025. The ACVs will replace the 19 AAV-7A1s currently in service, consisting of 16 personnel transport variants, two command vehicles, and one recovery vehicle. The replacement will also extend to the Piranha IIIC 8x8 armored vehicles.
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Spain’s consideration of the U.S. Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV), based on the Italian Iveco SuperAV 8x8, dates back to at least 2022, when discussions about replacing the AAV-7 and Piranha fleets intensified. (Picture source: US DoD)

Production of the ACV will take place in Spain, involving both Iveco Defense Vehicles (IDV) and Indra. Iveco will oversee vehicle production through its existing manufacturing facilities in Madrid and Valladolid, while Indra will integrate specific national systems based on the requirements set by the Spanish Ministry of Defense. The proportion of domestically produced components has not been disclosed, but this aligns with Indra’s strategic objective of expanding its role in domestic armored vehicle manufacturing. The Spanish Marine Corps expects the first deliveries in the coming years, with deployment focused on the first and second battalions of the “Tercio de Armada” Marine Brigade. The third battalion, which operates Piranha vehicles, will continue using them.

Spain’s consideration of the ACV dates back to at least 2022, when discussions about replacing the AAV-7 and Piranha fleets intensified. Lieutenant Colonel Miguel Hernández Suárez-Llanos outlined a proposal estimating that 60 to 65 ACVs would be required for a full modernization of the Marine Corps’ fleet, with a projected cost between €350 million and €400 million. The ACV was assessed for its troop capacity, modular architecture, and adaptability for various roles, including reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and UAV integration. Additionally, the Spanish Navy plans to procure 12 more 8x8 armored vehicles equipped with either a 105mm or 120mm cannon to replace the retired M60 tanks.

Major General Rafael Roldán Tudela, Commanding General of the Spanish Marine Infantry, previously confirmed that the Marine Corps had opted for the ACV as the replacement for the AAV-7. He emphasized the necessity of ensuring a smooth transition between sea and land operations while maintaining protected force projection capabilities. Roldán indicated that efforts are being made to secure funding and infrastructure support for the program, with an initial capability expected by 2025 and full operational capacity projected for 2027.

Spain is monitoring developments in the U.S. and Italian armed forces for interoperability and modernization purposes, as the ACV is based on the Italian SuperAV 8x8, later refined in collaboration with BAE Systems for the U.S. Marine Corps. The U.S. Marine Corps has deployed ACVs in overseas exercises, including Balikatan 24 in the Philippines, where they conducted live-fire drills from the water using Mk19 40mm grenade launchers. Italy has ordered 36 units of the VBA, a domestic variant of the SuperAV, for the San Marco Marine Brigade.

The ACV was also displayed at the International Defense and Security Fair (FEINDEF) in Spain in 2023, marking its first official presentation in Spain outside the U.S. This event allowed defense officials and industry representatives to assess its capabilities and potential integration into the Spanish Marine Corps’ operations. The vehicle measures nearly 8 meters in length, 3 meters in width, and 2.3 meters in height (hull). It has an internal volume of 14 cubic meters and can accommodate 13 personnel, including a three-member crew. The vehicle has a maximum payload capacity of 10 tons. It is fully amphibious and equipped with two rear-mounted propulsion units and a retractable electro-optical sensor mast. The platform can be fitted with a remotely operated turret of up to 40mm caliber.

The Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) is powered by an Iveco six-cylinder inline engine with a 13-liter displacement, producing up to 700 horsepower. It is coupled with a ZF 7HP902 transmission, enabling an operational range of 800 km on land and 65 km in water. The vehicle can operate in sea state 3 conditions at a maximum speed of 10 km/h in amphibious mode. The ACV was first introduced into the U.S. Marine Corps in 2018 with an initial order of 30 vehicles, with a total program scope of up to 204 units. An additional 36 vehicles were ordered in April 2020. The U.S. variant includes the Kongsberg RT-20 turret for 150 units, armed with a 30mm cannon.

The U.S. Marine Corps has deployed ACVs in several overseas exercises, including Balikatan 24 in the Philippines, where they conducted live-fire drills from the water using Mk19 40mm grenade launchers. (Picture source: US DoD)