Spanish Army Confirms Acquisition of 4,500 Peugeot Landtrek for Non-Combat Missions.

The Ejército de Tierra has officially confirmed the acquisition of 4,500 Peugeot Landtrek vehicles as part of its VMTT (Vehículo Militar Todoterreno Táctico) program. This contract, which will span over four years, marks a significant step in the renewal of the Spanish Army's fleet of military vehicles. These new vehicles are intended to replace the PS10 Anibal, purchased in 2004, which has never fully met the army's expectations.
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The Peugeot Landtrek is a versatile mid-size pickup truck designed for a variety of terrains and tasks (Picture source: Peugeot)

Two companies competed for this contract: Iturri, representing the Peugeot Landtrek, and TSD, which offered the Ford Ranger. In March 2024, the Army’s Logistics Support Command (MALE) had already expressed its preference for the Landtrek, a decision that was subsequently contested. TSD filed a legal appeal to challenge the procurement process. However, the Spanish court rejected TSD's appeal, allowing MALE to confirm the contract with Iturri, valued at 217 million euros.

The choice of the Peugeot Landtrek may surprise some observers, as the vehicle is based on the Kaicene F70, a pick-up truck designed by Chinese manufacturer Chang’an Automobile. Despite this partially non-French origin, the vehicle convinced Spanish authorities with its performance and suitability for the army's specific needs. It is important to note that these vehicles will not be used for combat missions. The Spanish Ministry of Defense clarified that they will be employed for "tactical tasks removed from combat-related activities," such as liaison missions within the national territory.

In addition to the Ejército de Tierra, other Spanish armed forces will benefit from this acquisition. Peugeot Landtreks will also be delivered to the Guardia Civil, the Ejército del Aire y del Espacio, and the Armada Española, as part of a broader modernization of unprotected military vehicles.

The Peugeot Landtrek is a versatile mid-size pickup truck designed for a variety of terrains and tasks, offering both 4x2 and 4x4 drive options. It is available with two main engine types: a 1.9L turbodiesel engine delivering 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque, and a 2.4L turbocharged petrol engine with 210 hp and 320 Nm of torque. Depending on the model, these engines are paired with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The Landtrek is built for durability and can handle heavy-duty tasks, with a payload capacity exceeding 1 ton and a towing capacity up to 3 tons. Its off-road capabilities are supported by features such as Hill Descent Control and a rear differential lock, making it suitable for rough terrains. Depending on the version, the ground clearance ranges from 214 mm to 235 mm, providing the vehicle with excellent off-road performance.

This type of procurement echoes similar situations in other countries, such as France, where the selection of military vehicles has sometimes sparked debate.

For example, in 2015, the French Ministry of Defense faced criticism after announcing the acquisition of Ford Rangers to replace Peugeot P4s, instead of choosing vehicles offered by French brands such as Renault or Citroën. Similarly, the Gendarmerie faced controversy when it opted for the Seat Leon Cupra to replace the Megane RS within its rapid intervention teams. In both cases, the preference for non-French brands led to protests, with some officials arguing that the military and security forces should prioritize supporting the national industry.

These instances demonstrate that decisions regarding military equipment can raise complex issues involving performance, cost, and political or industrial considerations. In Spain's case, the choice of the Peugeot Landtrek, despite its partial Chinese origins, appears to be driven by the need to quickly and efficiently modernize the army’s fleet of off-road vehicles while adhering to strict budgetary constraints.

The acquisition of these 4,500 vehicles is part of a broader effort to modernize Spain’s military capabilities, addressing current operational needs while anticipating future challenges.