The Spanish Navy is set to acquire 34 new Amphibious Combat Vehicles (VACIM) to replace its aging fleet of AAV-7s, significantly enhancing the Spanish Marine Corps’ capabilities for protected force projection. This procurement forms a key component of Spain’s Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defense, part of the broader national effort to reach the NATO target of allocating 2% of GDP to defense spending.
The government has already allocated €50 million to the VACIM program for the current year, while a draft royal decree issued by the Ministry of Industry outlines an additional €150 million in pre-financing. This funding aims to expedite various military modernization efforts, including the VACIM program, which is identified within the decree as the “Efficient Comprehensive Amphibious Projection System.”
The acquisition will include 34 amphibious 8×8 armored vehicles in four specialized variants: 28 troop transports, 2 command vehicles, 2 recovery vehicles, and 2 armored ambulances. The program will also encompass initial logistical support, training initiatives, simulation platforms, and infrastructure development—ensuring a comprehensive and modernized amphibious operational capability.
