EM&E Group and Rheinmetall’s Spanish arm, Rheinmetall Expal Munitions, have submitted a joint proposal to Spain’s Ministry of Defence to develop a domestically produced alternative under the SILAM high-mobility rocket launcher program. The bid follows the 2023 cancellation of a €697 million contract awarded to Elbit Systems, in partnership with EM&E Group and Expal, which was halted amid political fallout linked to the Gaza conflict. The new proposal outlines a phased, fully national rocket artillery program designed and developed in Spain, covering operational and test launchers, ammunition, reconnaissance and command vehicles, and the development and qualification of training rockets and guided munitions. Rheinmetall said the approach enables a gradual path to full technological maturity, ensuring operational suitability and long-term sustainability. The initiative aims to replace the capability lost after Spain retired its Teruel multiple rocket launcher in 2011 and aligns with national defence priorities, industrial strengthening, and broader EU and NATO objectives. While system details remain undisclosed, the concept is expected to leverage Rheinmetall’s experience from the GMARS program developed with Lockheed Martin.
