The Spanish Council of Ministers has authorized a 261.8-million-euro ($305-million) program to upgrade over 100 Pizarro infantry fighting vehicles in the Spanish Army’s inventory.
The modernization effort, which will continue until November 30, 2031, aims to extend the fleet’s service life and align older vehicles with the latest Phase II standards.
Santa Bárbara Sistemas, part of General Dynamics European Land Systems, will lead the modernization work with financial backing from a 176-million-euro ($205 million) government loan.
The initiative targets 121 Phase I Pizarros, which entered service between 1996 and 2003, enhancing them to the capability level of the newer 83 Phase II vehicles.
In total, the Spanish Army fields 261 Pizarros, including 21 command and 35 Castor engineering variants.
Upgrade Highlights
The project will deliver significant improvements across fire control, power management, onboard electronics, and diagnostic systems, while boosting survivability and communications interoperability.
Upgrades will also include mobility system overhauls, navigation system integration, and chassis and hull refinements.
Further enhancements by Santa Bárbara Sistemas will see turret system upgrades, a new gunner thermal sight, and a modernized commander interface.
This program is one component of Spain’s 5.55-billion-euro ($6.47-billion) defense investment package, which also funds extensive air and ground training system modernization initiatives.
