Spain is set to acquire more than 200 self-propelled howitzers to modernize its artillery forces, replacing its aging M109 systems.
The acquisition, valued at over €3 billion ($3.51 billion), will be carried out in two phases—one focusing on tracked systems and the other on wheeled units and associated support vehicles.
In the first phase, the Spanish Army and Marine Infantry will receive 128 tracked howitzers under a €1.82 billion ($2.12 billion) program. These systems will feature high mobility, advanced automation, minimal crew requirements, and fast response capability, according to Spain’s Ministry of Industry and Tourism. Specifications include a 47–52 caliber barrel and a range exceeding 40 kilometers (25 miles) using base-bleed rounds.
This phase also includes 128 ammunition carriers, 21 recovery vehicles, 48 command vehicles for the army, 11 for the marines, and 7 optional maintenance vehicles.
The second phase involves the procurement of 86 wheeled howitzers—possibly in 8×8 or 10×10 configurations—along with the same number of ammunition carriers, 14 recovery vehicles, and 7 optional maintenance vehicles, at a cost of €1.18 billion ($1.38 billion).
