Spanish Army to strengthen future artillery force with 214 new wheeled and tracked howitzers.

As reported by Defensa y Aviación on July 7, 2025, Spain has initiated a comprehensive artillery modernization program involving the acquisition of 214 new self-propelled howitzers, divided into 86 wheeled and 128 tracked units. This acquisition forms part of the Special Modernization Programs included in the April 2025 Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defense, aimed at reaching 2% of GDP in defense spending.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The tracked howitzer subprogram includes the purchase of 128 tracked systems and their respective ammunition, recovery, and command vehicles, 48 of the latter for the Spanish Army and 11 for the Spanish Navy. (Picture source: Spanish MoD)

The plan is supported by €3.002 billion in pre-financing from the Ministry of Industry: €1.181 billion for the wheeled systems and €1.821 billion for the tracked systems. These systems are intended for both the Spanish Army and the Marine Infantry and aim to replace aging M109A5E howitzers currently in service. This marks the first time Spain plans to introduce wheeled self-propelled artillery systems, signaling a significant change in force structure. The tracked systems are expected to be compatible with existing ASCOD-based support vehicles.

The wheeled howitzer subprogram provides for the acquisition of 86 systems mounted on 8x8 or 10x10 chassis, along with 86 ammunition vehicles, 14 recovery vehicles, seven specific maintenance vehicles, and support equipment including simulators, maintenance tools, and reduced-caliber training systems. These vehicles will integrate fully with command and control systems and support networked fire missions. One specified requirement is the ability to engage moving naval targets, suggesting a coastal defense role. The program does not mention dedicated command vehicles, which could affect operational coordination. Candidate platforms include the Radhaubitze, a system developed by GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas and KNDS, which combines the Piranha 10x10 chassis with the 155mm/L52 Artillery Gun Module. This platform aligns with requirements made public in 2024 for 36 wheeled and 109 tracked artillery systems. The wheeled configuration is intended to improve strategic mobility and reduce logistic complexity while maintaining firepower.

The tracked howitzer subprogram includes the purchase of 128 tracked systems and their respective ammunition, recovery, and command vehicles, 48 of the latter for the Army and 11 for the Navy. These will be deployed in both land and amphibious operations. The tracked systems will be based on platforms compatible with the ASCOD chassis and its variants already in Spanish service. Also included are seven specific maintenance vehicles, logistics materials, and training tools. The tracked solution focuses on providing longer range, greater survivability, and enhanced protection, enabling operations close to front lines or during amphibious landings. Among the proposals, the Nemesis system presented at FEINDEF 2025 integrates the same 155mm/L52 AGM turret as the wheeled Radhaubitze but mounted on the ASCOD platform. According to specifications, it is designed for two or three operators and can function remotely. It includes an automatic loading system, inertial/GNSS navigation, and a 360-degree firing arc, with data transmission to fire control systems.

These acquisitions follow the Army’s earlier identification of a need for long-range indirect fire support platforms. The Ministry of Defense emphasized that all new howitzers must have a range exceeding 40 kilometers using base bleed ammunition, and feature high mobility, a low number of operators, and high automation levels. These systems are intended to use new generations of guided or extended-range munitions and integrate with external sensors and C2 networks. The decision to combine tracked and wheeled systems reflects a dual approach to mobility: the tracked units provide endurance and armor protection, while the wheeled units support expeditionary missions and road transport efficiency. Both systems are required to operate within networked fire structures and maintain compatibility with broader support and logistics platforms. Each subprogram includes provision for four levels of maintenance, training courses, and a logistics package for initial deployment and sustainment.

Spain currently operates approximately 96 M109A5E self-propelled howitzers, which were first introduced in the 1970s. These are complemented by 158 tracked M-548 ammunition vehicles and 18 six-wheeled M-548/6 SEM-1I variants. The Marine Infantry’s Landing Artillery Group previously operated six M109A2 howitzers, which were replaced in 2020 by six Army-loaned M109A5s. Ammunition is transported by six M-992 FAASV vehicles. The existing systems are widely viewed as outdated, prompting the development of this modernization plan. The Army’s artillery is organized under various Field Artillery Groups (GACA), while the Marine Infantry operates under the Tercio de Armada’s Landing Artillery Group (GAD). Towed systems in service include the 105mm L118, the 155mm Santa Bárbara Sistemas SIAC, and legacy 105mm Model 56 howitzers. The Army has participated in NATO deployments with these systems, including the Enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia and operations in Slovakia, indicating a continued commitment to international interoperability.

The modernization plan fits into broader structural reforms of the Spanish Army, which began with a reorganization in 2020 into three main commands: High-Readiness Land Headquarters, the NATO Rapid Deployment Corps – Spain (HQ NRDC-ESP), and the Fuerza. The Fuerza includes the San Marcial Division, tasked with high-readiness and specialist units such as artillery, and the Castillejos Division, which operates both towed and self-propelled artillery brigades. The Field Artillery Command supervises rocket and air-defense regiments in addition to traditional field units. The transition toward newer systems with advanced capabilities is intended to align Spain’s force structure with Force 2035 objectives, which stress automation, digital integration, and rapid force projection. The structure allows for a scalable response to changing operational environments and aligns Spain’s land forces with emerging NATO standards and doctrines.

According to the draft decree, the entire program is to be implemented on a multi-annual basis and includes stipulations for full domestic production and long-term industrial maintenance. Santa Bárbara Sistemas is expected to be a key participant, with manufacturing spread across its facilities in Trubia and Alcalá de Guadaira. The funding model includes zero-interest loans distributed according to a schedule coordinated with the Ministry of Defense’s payment timeline. All maintenance, training, and support for these artillery systems will be carried out in Spain. The program is also designed to support qualified employment and increase national technological capabilities in defense production. No final decision has yet been announced regarding the selection of either Radhaubitze, Nemesis, or another system. The outcome will depend on evaluations, trials, and financial decisions expected in the coming months. The full integration of these systems into Spanish defense planning is intended to reinforce both operational capacity and national industrial resilience.