FEINDEF 2019: Navantia, EXPAL and Elbit systems present Tizona 30mm turret for Spanish Army 8x8 vehicle.

Navantia, EXPAL and Elbit Sytems officially have presented “Tizona”, the 30mm unmanned turret proposed for the “Combat Vehicle on Wheels” (VCR 8x8) program of the Spanish Army. The event held at Navantia’s stand was attended by the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces.

"Tizona", the 30mm turret proposed by Navantia, EXPAL and El bit Systems for the Spanish VCR 8x8 programme (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Susana de Sarriá, President of Navantia, put in value "the national nature of our proposal”, even if the Israeli involvement is important. Pedro Sallent, General Manager of EXPAL, highlighted that "this alliance seeks to offer our Armed Forces a state-of-the-art weapon system produced (namely) by two Spanish defense companies, strengthening our technological sovereignty." The presentation of Tizona confirms the agreement signed by the three companies in December 2018, which will allows both the production in Spain of the towers and their future maintenance and updating.

In this program, Navantia provides the knowledge, experience and facilities with a high capacity to integrate and manufacture weapons systems, artillery and medium-caliber weapons, while EXPAL will be responsible for the manufacture and testing of electrical and electronic subsystems, as well as their maintenance. Elbit Sytems, as a technologist, will support the start-up and qualification of the new production lines and guarantees the low technological risk of the program. In addition to the strong domestic production plan, the partners have defined an ambitious export plan, which will benefit from the strong international vocation of the Spanish partners.

Tizona is integrated into the 8x8 Vehicle selected by the Ministry of Defense, including other selected subsystems such as the Spike anti-tank missile, coaxial cannon or smoke grenade launcher systems. In addition, Tizona will be available in both manned and unmanned versions with minimal modifications and a high level of commonality between both configurations, which would provide an important cost reduction for the Program. The unmanned Tizona turret has already been integrated into the same Piranha V vehicle for other NATO armed forces.