The Council of Ministers has given the green light this Tuesday to two key contracts for the maintenance and full commissioning of the 8x8 Dragón wheeled combat vehicles, for a total amount of 68,406,000 euros.
According to the references from the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Defense will allocate 53,996,000 euros to a Framework Agreement that will ensure the sustainment and operability of these armored vehicles. This instrument includes specialized technical support, supply of spare parts, and assistance in tasks that exceed the capabilities of the Army. The contract will have an initial duration of four years, with an option to extend for two additional years.
In addition, the Government has authorized a second contract, with an estimated value of 14,410,000 euros and a planned duration until December 31, 2029, with no possibility of extension.
The objective of this last agreement is to guarantee the operational availability of the 8x8 Dragón, its operation under safe conditions, and economic efficiency in the management of the program, both in the preparation phase and throughout its entire useful life. To this end, the Technical Support Office for the Vehicle Life Cycle will be launched.
The development of these armored vehicles has been undertaken by the consortium Tess Defence, controlled by Indra and participated by Santa Bárbara, Sapa, and Escribano.
The 8x8 program has generated friction between the Ministry of Defense and the consortium due to continuous delays in deliveries and various technical incidents. At the end of September, Tess Defence delivered a new batch to the Army, and nearly a hundred units have already been supplied, out of the almost 350 contemplated in the plan.