TenCate gets to work on armour system for Spain's Dragon VCR combat vehicle
Spain has ordered a total of 348 Dragon VCRs. The design is based on the GDELS Piranha V platform. (Photo: Spanish Army)
TenCate Advanced Armour, in partnership with TESS Defence, has commenced full production of the composite armour elements for Spain's 8x8 Dragon VCR combat vehicle programme.
TenCate Advanced Armour has commenced full production of composite armour systems for the Spanish Army's Dragon VCR 8x8 armoured vehicle programme.
In partnership with TESS Defence, the joint venture company which manufactures the Dragon VCR, TenCate has managed the development of this survivability aspect from the early phases of the programme.
'TESS Defence has welcomed TenCate Advanced Armour as a partner in the project to add extensive capability in terms of survivability management and integration from an early stage,' said Miguel Morell, general manager of TESS Defence.
Related Articles
Spain to take early delivery of first VCR 8x8 Dragons
TenCate hardens Heavy Dump Truck with armoured cab
Plasan sets up shop in Australia to support armoured vehicle programmes
'Our partnering in the programme is a result of a multi-year development effort. Receiving the order to manufacture the composite armour is a great reward, bringing the project full circle," added Steen Tanderup, CEO of TenCate Advanced Armour.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, Spain awarded a production contract for 348 VCRs in June 2020, worth $2 billion. Of the 348, 219 will be in IFV configuration and fitted with the Escribano Guardian 30 RWS; the remaining platforms are expected to be a combination of command, support and recovery vehicles.
The first delivery of seven was completed on 20 December 2022, with contract completion date scheduled for 2026.
The vehicle has a blast protection package supplied by Israeli firm Plasan Sasa, branded as a Hybrid Slat Fence, provides lightweight and modular RPG protection, a mine protection solution for the underbelly and IED side blasts, plus energy-absorbing mine seats.
The composite armour of the VCR Dragon provides protection against RPGs, 14.5mm armour-piercing rounds and 30mm armour-piercing rounds across the 30° frontal arc. The hull provides protection against 8kg anti-tank mines.
Reports suggest an Elbit Elaws 2 laser warning system will also be integrated across all 348 vehicles ordered by Spain.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![NZ begins modernisation of its tactical vehicle fleet]()
NZ begins modernisation of its tactical vehicle fleet
VAMTAC vehicles are expected to replace one-quarter of New Zealand’s Pinzgauers and Unimogs.
-
![Israel’s Elbit Systems riding high and reports almost a billion dollars in orders to close 2024]()
Israel’s Elbit Systems riding high and reports almost a billion dollars in orders to close 2024
Elbit Systems has signed another US$967 million in orders in the past three months after reporting its land revenues increased by 24% for 3Q2024 compared to 3Q 2023 thanks to increasing ammunition and munition sales in Israel.
-
![Italy signs $784 million deal for tactical and logistic trucks]()
Italy signs $784 million deal for tactical and logistic trucks
The contract is for the supply of a variety of military logistic platforms equipped with tactical cabins and based on the new range of IDV SMR6 trucks (Standard Military Range), which includes 4×4, 8×8 and 10x10 variants.
-
![Poland declares capability for Wisła medium-range air defence system]()
Poland declares capability for Wisła medium-range air defence system
Poland has been investing heavily in new defence equipment, including billions-of-dollars in air defence systems such as Narew and Wisła to provide multi-tier coverage, as well as in C2 systems such as IBCS.
