Spain Awards First Major Ammunition Contract for 8x8 Dragon VCR to Nammo Palencia.

The Spanish Army has secured its first large-scale ammunition order for the new 8x8 Wheeled Combat Vehicle (VCR), known as the Dragon, as reported by InfoDefensa. The contract, valued at €4.2 million (including taxes), was awarded to the Spanish company Nammo Palencia, which is part of the Norwegian Nammo Group. The agreement involves supplying 30 mm ammunition for the Guardian 30 turret developed by Escribano Mechanical & Engineering, which is mounted on the Dragon vehicle.
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This contract marks a crucial step in preparing the Dragon for operational readiness, with the supply of 19,500 rounds of 30x173 mm ammunition in five different variants (Picture source: Tess Defense)

The VCR 8x8 Dragon is a family of wheeled armored vehicles designed for the Spanish Army to improve mobility, protection, and operational flexibility across a wide range of missions. Production began in the early 2020s, and the vehicle is being developed and manufactured by Tess Defence, a consortium composed of Santa Bárbara Sistemas, Indra, Sapa, and Escribano Mechanical & Engineering. The vehicle platform is equipped with advanced technologies and modular capabilities, allowing it to adapt to various combat scenarios, from peacekeeping operations to high-intensity conflicts.

The Dragon is equipped with advanced systems, including sensors and communication technologies, providing enhanced situational awareness. Its modular design allows for continuous upgrades, ensuring that it remains relevant in evolving combat environments. In terms of protection, the VCR 8x8 is designed to withstand modern threats, such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ballistic attacks, making it a robust vehicle for counter-insurgency operations. The vehicle family includes six main variants: Infantry Fighting Vehicle (VCI), Cavalry Exploration Vehicle (VEC), Sapper Combat Vehicle (VCZ), Battalion Command Post Combat Vehicle (VCPC), Advanced Observer Combat Vehicle (VCOAV), and Recovery Vehicle (VREC).

The Dragon is armed with the Guardian 30 turret from Escribano, which is fitted with an MK44S 30 mm cannon capable of firing 30x173 mm rounds. It offers high mobility with an autonomy of over 48 hours, allowing it to operate effectively over long distances without additional logistical support. The vehicle’s versatility, combined with its protection and technological advances, makes it a key component of the Spanish Army's modernization efforts.

This contract marks a crucial step in preparing the Dragon for operational readiness, with the supply of 19,500 rounds of 30x173 mm ammunition in five different variants. These munitions are essential for the Dragon’s main weapon system, the MK44S cannon, and include armor-piercing projectiles and multipurpose incendiary rounds designed for specific operational scenarios, including underwater environments.

Deliveries are expected to be made under an agreement between Nammo Palencia and the Army's Logistic Support Command (MALE), with the contract extending through December 2025. This agreement represents a key milestone as Spain anticipates the first deliveries of the Dragon vehicles by the end of the year. However, the exact number of vehicles to be delivered in 2024 remains undisclosed. Tess Defence, the consortium responsible for producing the Dragon, will oversee the delivery process.