Rheinmetall Expal Munitions and EM&E Group have jointly proposed an indigenous solution to Spain’s Ministry of Defence for the SILAM high-mobility rocket launcher program, positioning it as a national alternative following the termination of the Elbit-led contract in 2023. The €697 million deal, based on Elbit’s Precise and Universal Launching System, was cancelled amid political sensitivities related to the Gaza war. The Spanish joint venture has presented a phased development plan for a homegrown rocket artillery system, including operational and test launchers, ammunition, reconnaissance and command post vehicles, as well as training rockets and guided munitions. According to Rheinmetall, the staged approach is intended to ensure progressive technological maturity, operational relevance, and long-term sustainability. The program seeks to address the capability gap left by the retirement of Spain’s Teruel MRL in 2011 and is embedded within Spain’s Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defence, supporting national industry, supply chains, and innovation while aligning with EU and NATO defence goals. Although the final system concept has not been revealed, it is expected to draw on Rheinmetall’s GMARS experience, which combines an HX 8×8 chassis with launcher technologies derived from HIMARS and M270 systems.
