Spanish government approves contracts to support 8x8 Dragón armored vehicle program
The cabinet approved two contracts to fund the entry into service and ongoing maintenance of the 8x8 Dragón armored vehicle, which is still in testing.
In the final hours of a recent Council of Ministers session, the Spanish government confirmed two procurement contracts for the 8x8 Dragón armored vehicle, a key element of the Army's modernization plan. The first agreement, running until the end of 2029, will finance the vehicle's transition to service and establish a Technical Support Office for lifecycle management. The second, lasting four years with an optional two-year extension, will ensure technical support, supply of spare parts, and assistance for maintenance tasks beyond the Army's own capacity.
The Dragón is slated to replace aging BMR armored cars, but it remains in the testing phase and has not yet entered active duty. These approvals come as the broader 2026 modernization programmes await parliamentary approval amid an upcoming general election.
Why it matters
The contracts secure funding for a major defense procurement that will shape Spain's land-force capabilities.
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