SAPA is days away from submitting its binding offer for the technological development of the future 8×8 VCR.

Madrid, September 25, 2015 – SAPA announces its participation in the development of the Piranha 5 as part of the 8×8 program. This initiative will involve the production of half a dozen prototypes. Although this does not mean that the Piranha 5 has been selected, the Ministry of Defense will review this offer and may request a second offer if necessary. The VCR 8×8 development schedule estimates the technological maturity of the program by 2017, with the acquisition process for the selected platform beginning in 2018.

The Ministry of Defense’s approach aligns with its strategy of supporting national companies, similar to the project for the new F-110 frigates for the Navy, with Indra as the common denominator in both projects. This support aims to develop a national product that Spain can export, fostering partnerships between Spanish companies.

The last Council of Ministers meeting before the August recess authorized the contract for the development of the technological programs for the new 8×8 combat vehicle, with a budget of €89,298,000. This initial phase aims to test the viability of new technologies, incorporate the strategic capabilities of the national industry, and achieve the necessary level of maturity to integrate these technologies into the VCR 8×8 platform. The program will be funded by the Ministry of Defense between 2015 and 2018, with annual allocations of €40,801,200, €30,637,200, and €17,859,600, respectively. The Ministry will reimburse these amounts in 2018. The R&D contract will cover six technological study programs to develop prototypes for the future vehicle.