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Spanish Army Set to Receive its First VCR 8x8 Dragón a Highly Protected Combat Vehicle.
According to Info Defensa, the delivery of the first VCR 8x8 Dragón wheeled combat vehicles (VCR) to the Spanish Army is now becoming a reality after years of development and testing. Indra, one of the main companies involved in the industrial consortium responsible for the project, has confirmed that the first eleven units will be delivered in the coming weeks. This announcement follows the start of an acceptance testing phase that began approximately a month ago.
The VCR 8x8 Dragón's main armament consists of the Guardian 30 turret developed by Escribano Mechanical & Engineering, which houses a 30mm MK44S cannon, capable of firing 30x173mm rounds and integrating anti-tank missiles. (Picture source: Indra)
Ángel Escribano, president of Indra, reiterated this commitment during his intervention before the Joint National Security Commission of the Spanish Parliament, emphasizing that deliveries were imminent, although he did not specify an exact date. This milestone represents a crucial step for a program aimed at modernizing the Army’s armored capabilities and equipping it with a vehicle that meets current operational requirements.
The program has gone through a long and complex development process, requiring numerous technical and industrial adaptations. Officially launched in August 2020 after an extensive phase of platform selection and demonstrator testing, it is managed by the Tess Defence consortium, which includes Indra, GDELS-SBS, EM&E Group, and Sapa Placencia. Since its launch, the program has followed a strict development schedule, with a particular focus on technology integration and compliance with NATO standards. One of the major challenges has been ensuring interoperability between the various onboard systems, particularly in communications. The vehicle is equipped with multiple radio systems, each assigned to specific functions, including communication with nearby troops, coordination with brigade units, and command-level transmissions. Additionally, it features a satellite communication system that enhances connectivity in operational environments.
The VCR 8x8 Dragón is designed to replace older armored vehicles in service with the Spanish Army, offering a modular and scalable platform. Based on General Dynamics' Piranha V, it is powered by a 620-horsepower Scania engine, enabling it to reach 100 km/h on roads while maintaining enhanced off-road mobility thanks to an advanced hydropneumatics suspension system. The vehicle's main armament consists of the Guardian 30 turret developed by Escribano Mechanical & Engineering, which houses a 30mm MK44S cannon, capable of firing 30x173mm rounds and integrating anti-tank missiles. It can also be fitted with a coaxial machine gun, increasing its firepower.
The Dragón’s armor is designed to withstand various threats. It provides protection against 14.5mm caliber bullets and 155mm shell fragments at a distance of 25 meters. The underbelly is reinforced to resist explosions equivalent to 10 kg of TNT under a wheel, meeting NATO STANAG 4569 Level 4 standards. Its modular architecture allows for technological upgrades throughout its lifecycle, including electronic warfare capabilities, threat detection, and advanced surveillance systems.
The Dragón is available in several configurations to meet the Army’s operational requirements. Variants include the Infantry Fighting Vehicle (VCI), Cavalry Reconnaissance Vehicle (VEC), Combat Engineer Vehicle (VCZ), Battalion Command Post Vehicle (VCPC), Advanced Observation Vehicle (VCOAV), and Recovery Vehicle (VREC). The Maestre mission system, developed by Indra, serves as the core management system for the vehicle, optimizing data analysis and sensor coordination. It incorporates artificial intelligence and a 360° artificial vision system, improving threat detection, targeting, and battlefield navigation. With an open and scalable architecture, it facilitates real-time data sharing via a combat cloud, enabling efficient coordination between units and platforms during multi-domain operations.
The VCR 8x8 Dragón program is part of the Force 35 initiative, a modernization strategy aimed at equipping the Spanish Army with networked and interoperable vehicles. The initial contract, signed in August 2020 for over €2 billion, outlines the delivery of 348 units in multiple phases over seven years. Production and integration are managed by Tess Defence, with the first batch originally scheduled for 2022. However, delays have pushed back the timeline. In December 2024, Tess Defence delivered seven initial units to a unit based in Almería for operational testing, marking the beginning of the Army’s acceptance phase. Additionally, Indra was tasked with equipping the vehicle with its advanced mission system, with an initial investment of €150 million, potentially increasing with future contracts as the program progresses.
The delays have led to concerns within the government and armed forces, particularly regarding their impact on the operational schedule. In February 2025, Secretary of State for Defense Amparo Valcarce urged the industry to accelerate production to fulfill commitments made to the Army. She pointed out that the 92 units scheduled for delivery in 2024 had not arrived on time, leading to a reassessment of the production schedule and a postponement to 2025. In response, Indra reaffirmed that the delivery of the first eleven vehicles was a significant milestone, emphasizing that prototypes had undergone extensive testing to ensure full compliance with military standards.
The program's technological development was also highlighted by Ángel Escribano, who stressed the importance of seamless coordination between the vehicle’s multiple sensors and electronic systems. Extensive blast resistance testing and electromagnetic and electrical performance evaluations have been conducted to certify the vehicle’s compliance with the highest operational standards. The goal is to incorporate advanced technology without compromising the vehicle’s reliability and durability.
The current phase of production for the VCR 8x8 Dragón follows a strategy aimed at avoiding mass deployment of vehicles requiring post-delivery modifications. Indra has implemented a progressive production plan, ensuring a controlled increase in manufacturing rates while optimizing cost efficiency. This approach is intended to facilitate timely vehicle deliveries, providing the Spanish Army with a fully operational fleet within the established deadlines.
The arrival of the first VCR 8x8 Dragón vehicles marks a critical step in the modernization of the Spanish Army’s land forces. Combining mobility, protection, and advanced connectivity, this new-generation armored vehicle is designed to meet the demands of contemporary conflicts. Despite technical and industrial challenges, the program represents a key milestone in transforming the Spanish Army and enhancing its operational capabilities. The next challenge will be to maintain the planned production rate and ensure that the vehicle meets performance and reliability expectations for its future deployment.