To modernize its amphibious capabilities, the Spanish Navy will acquire 34 Amphibious Combat Vehicles (VACIM), replacing outdated AAV-7 platforms and significantly boosting the Marine Corps’ protected deployment capacity. This initiative falls under Spain’s Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defense, designed to help the country reach the defense spending target of 2% of GDP.
The government has allocated €50 million to the program for the current year, with a draft royal decree from the Ministry of Industry authorizing €150 million in pre-financing to accelerate programs like VACIM. The decree refers to the project on page 2 as the “Efficient Comprehensive Amphibious Projection System” and outlines the acquisition of 34 8×8 vehicles in four roles: 28 troop transports, 2 command units, 2 recovery vehicles, and 2 medical evacuation vehicles.
The program also includes logistics support, training systems, simulation tools, and infrastructure upgrades necessary for full operational integration.
