Indra has signed a strategic agreement with the Iveco Defence Vehicles division of the Italian group Leonardo to develop the new Amphibious Infantry Combat Vehicle (VACIM), a key program of the Ministry of Defense with which Spain seeks to strengthen its military capabilities in littoral environments and expeditionary operations.
A "key" agreement for critical Army capabilities
According to the company itself, the contract constitutes “a key milestone” to equip the Marine Corps with “cutting-edge and fully interoperable” capabilities, reinforcing its amphibious projection and littoral operations capacity.
The program is part of the Special Modernization Programs (PEM) of the Ministry of Defense and contemplates the development, integration, and delivery of a new amphibious combat system adapted to Spanish requirements.
Indra will assume the central role: integration and development in Spain
The industrial design of the project places Indra at the core of the program:
- It will integrate the vehicle's mission systems
- It will adapt the platforms to the Army's requirements
- It will carry out validation and final delivery from its facilities in Spain
Specifically, the company will develop four variants of the VACIM: troop transport, command and control, recovery, and ambulance
For Indra, the agreement means reinforcing its position as a “leading Spanish integrator” and expanding its catalog with amphibious solutions, consolidating its value chain in combat platforms.
Leonardo provides the platform: 34 SUPERAV amphibious armored vehicles
For its part, Iveco Defence Vehicles —a subsidiary of Leonardo— will supply 34 SUPERAV 8x8 amphibious armored platforms, considered an international standard in this type of vehicle.
It is a technology already tested in armies such as the United States (base of the Amphibious Combat Vehicle) and Italy (VBA vehicle).
The collaboration will allow the integration of next-generation platforms with high levels of mobility, protection, and reliability, in both maritime and land operations.
A 370 million program with industrial impact in Spain
The contract has an estimated investment of 370 million euros and will be developed until 2030, with industrial execution in Spain.
In addition to the supply of vehicles, the program includes:
- Support throughout the entire lifecycle
- National industrial development
- Generation of direct and indirect employment
Indra fully enters combat platforms
The agreement with Leonardo is not isolated. It is part of a broader strategy with which Indra seeks to evolve from a technological provider to a comprehensive manufacturer of military systems and platforms.
The company itself highlights that this alliance:
- Consolidates a “solid, innovative, and future-oriented” industrial base
- Reinforces its positioning in the global defense market
- Opens the door to sustained long-term industrial collaborations
In parallel, Indra has accelerated agreements with other major European players such as Rheinmetall or Hanwha, in a clear commitment to becoming a central player in the European defense industry.