Image source: topwar.ru
The VCI Dragon 8x8 infantry fighting vehicle should become one of the main technical innovations being introduced into the Spanish army as part of its rearmament. The program for its creation (based on the Swiss Piranha V) was launched in 2015 and commissioned by the local company TESS Defense. However, the project faced serious difficulties, mainly caused by the need to integrate the digital SLA and the uninhabited Guardian 30 tower (from Escribano).
As a result, the army began receiving serial BMP Dragon only in 2025 (apart from the earlier transfer of demonstration samples), and now the units have begun to master the new machine. In total, the troops expect to supply 348 units at the first stage of the program (a contract from 2020 worth € 1.74 billion). At the moment, 107 units of this number have already been manufactured or are in production.
Image Source: topwar.ru
The Guardian 30 turret, mounted on the Dragon infantry fighting vehicle, is equipped with a 30 mm Mk44 automatic cannon, a 7.62mm twin machine gun and smoke grenade launchers, as well as, optionally– a Spike LR2 launcher for Israeli ATGM.
The armored vehicle, weighing about 33 tons, has a maximum speed of 100 km/h and has a range of 500 to 550 km. Its dimensions range from 8 to 8.3 m in length, from 2.9 to 2.99 m in width and about 2.34 m in height. The standard crew consists of 3 people; the car can accommodate 8 troops.
Image source: topwar.ru
The vehicle is equipped with a Scania DC13 engine with a capacity of 724 hp (540 kW), connected to a 24-speed Sapa SW624 gearbox, as well as an auxiliary power unit. Depending on the booking level, the car is able to withstand a hit of 25 mm BPS or 30 mm BOPS. In this regard, the developer notes:
