TESS Defence has delivered the 100th Dragón 8×8 wheeled combat vehicle to the Spanish Army, marking a significant production milestone for a program conceived in 2019. Based on General Dynamics European Land Systems’ Piranha V platform, the Dragón incorporates an open digital architecture, advanced sensor integration and enhanced armor protection.The vehicle is being introduced under Spain’s Force 35 modernization plan to replace aging Pegaso BMR and VEC armored fleets. TESS completed the latest handover at the Santa Bárbara facility in Alcalá de Guadaíra in cooperation with parent company Indra.The program is intended to provide the Spanish military with 348 vehicles by the end of 2028 under a €1.74-billion ($1.9-billion) contract signed in 2020. Production accelerated during the first half of 2026, when 43 vehicles were delivered—double the total output recorded during the previous year. TESS and Indra are working with GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas, SAPA and EM&E on the program.Operational testing is underway with the Legion Brigade in Viator, Andalusia, as the Army works toward initial operational capability by late 2026. A separate evaluation is being conducted by the 1st Engineer Regiment in Burgos, Castile and León. Three Dragón variants are also scheduled to appear publicly for the first time during Madrid’s National Day parade in mid-October.
