The Spanish defense contractor Indra Group has signed a contract as the leading system integrator for the procurement of the Iveco SuperAV, introduced by the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) as the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV), for the Spanish Marine Infantry. To that end, Indra Land Vehicles and Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV), a company of the Leonardo group, have concluded a strategic agreement that lays the foundation for delivering the new amphibious combat vehicle.
This vehicle was ordered by the Spanish Ministry of Defense under a special modernization program (PEM). IDV is responsible for development, intellectual property, and core components. IDV is already collaborating with BAE Systems to deliver the vehicle, known in Italy as the SuperAV, to the USMC. The Italian military has since become the second customer for the vehicle. Italy ordered 36 vehicles in 2022, and the order is expected to rise to 64 soon.
SuperAV is called VACIM by the Spanish Marine Infantry
IDV delivers 34 SuperAV 8×8 platforms to Indra for system integration. In Spain, the vehicle is designated Vehículo anfibio de combate de infantería de marina (VACIM). Four variants are being delivered: troop transporter, command and control vehicle, recovery vehicle, and medical vehicle. Unlike the US vehicles, which in the ACV-30 configuration are equipped with a Kongsberg 30-mm cannon turret, the Italian vehicles feature the Leonardo Hitrole Light remote-controlled turret with a 12.7-mm machine gun.
The contract represents a major milestone in equipping the Spanish Marine Infantry with decisive, state-of-the-art, fully interoperable capabilities, while also strengthening its potential for amphibious operations and coastal deployments, Indra said in the announcement. The collaboration with IDV enables the integration of the latest platforms with high mobility, protection, and reliability for missions at sea and on land.
Spain is the third customer
“The 8×8 SuperAV has already been selected by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Italian armed forces. In the United States, IDV’s amphibious platform serves as the basis for the ACV, delivered in partnership with BAE Systems. In Italy, the SuperAV equipped with Leonardo weapon systems forms the basis for the Veicolo Blindato Anfibio. Thanks to the contract signed with Indra, IDV delivers the high-end amphibious armored vehicle platform and thus enables Spain to renew and expand its national defense vehicle fleet,” explained Nazario Bianchini, IDV’s Sales Director.
Frank Torres, Chief Procurement Officer and CEO of Indra Land Vehicles, added: “The collaboration with IDV is a decisive step within the framework of the project to equip the Spanish Marine Infantry with the capabilities required for today’s demanding scenarios and the beginning of a stable, long-term industrial partnership. The contract, together with the delivery of new special variants by Indra, will strengthen the amphibious capabilities of our armed forces and enable Indra to continue building a robust, innovative, and forward-looking industrial base.”
