Spanish Army’s New 6×6 Cavalry Vehicle Partnership
On May 14, four major defense companies, John Cockerill Defense (Belgium), FNSS (Turkey), TSD (Spain), and Grupo Oesía (Spain), signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the FEINDEF exhibition in Madrid. The aim is to develop and supply a very advanced 6×6 cavalry vehicle to the Spanish Army using up-to-date technology and focusing on local production. The agreement will modernize the Spanish military and strengthen its domestic defense sector.
The vehicle proposed under this MoU is based on the FNSS PARS 6×6 platform, a design known for its mobility, versatility, and battlefield survivability. At FEINDEF, the vehicle was equipped with the Cockerill 3030 turret, a two-man system made by John Cockerill Defense. This turret was equipped with a 30mm autocannon capable of firing advanced munitions, including airburst rounds. It provides STANAG Level 4 NATO protection and contains 250 ready-to-fire rounds, improving its firepower and making it better suited for reconnaissance and expeditionary work.
Each company will play a crucial role in the project. FNSS will supply the 6×6 armored vehicle technology, leveraging its extensive experience with wheeled armored vehicles. John Cockerill Defense will provide and integrate the advanced 3030 turret. The final assembly of the vehicles will be done by the Spanish firm TSD, ensuring local construction and alignment with Spain’s industrial goals. Grupo Oesía will supply advanced electronics, including optronics, communication, and sensor systems, enhancing the vehicle’s battlefield effectiveness and situational awareness.
A core objective of the MoU is to support the Spanish Army’s efforts to replace its aging BMR 6×6 fleet, which has been in service for over four decades. While the Army is also introducing the Dragón 8×8 vehicle, this 6×6 platform is intended to serve as a complementary, lighter, and more mobile cavalry vehicle. The deal is structured to provide a ready-to-deploy solution with full life-cycle support, including logistics, maintenance, and future upgrades, all carried out within Spain. This agreement reflects a growing trend toward multinational collaboration in defense procurement and reflects Spain’s intention to become more independent. By combining proven technologies from international partners with robust domestic production, the 6×6 cavalry vehicle project will meet the operational needs of the Spanish Army.