Spanish Army concludes qualification tests of the Castor armoured engineering vehicle
The Spanish MoD announced on 28 December the conclusion of the qualification tests with the prototype of the Castor armoured engineering vehicle (VCZAP in Spanish). The programme enters now serial production with the delivery of 35 platforms scheduled for 2023 and 2024.
Castor was approved in several trials including firing with a remote weapon, opening and signalling breaches, digging in with a dozer blade and trenching and fording, among others.
A press release issued by the Spanish MoD pointed out that the tests validate the fulfilment of the technical requirements and the design of the platform.
Related Articles
Spain’s Dragon gains its claws with successful Spike integration
Spain receives its first THeMIS vehicle
Europe sets ambitious goals for future tank technology
Built by General Dynamics European Land Systems – Santa Bárbara Sistemas (GDELS – Santa Bárbara Sistemas under the second phase of the Pizarro programme, Castor is based on the ASCOD IFV/APC and was designed to provide protection and mobility.
Shepard Defence Insight notes that the Pizarro-based engineering vehicle is slightly bigger than the IFV variant and includes a rear-mounted breach marking system, a trailer coupling for attachment of mine clearance systems and a dozer blade (with additional roller and mine ploughs attachments also available).
More from Land Warfare
-
The Philippines looks to Israel for military equipment amid South China Sea tensions
The southeast Asian country has been enhancing its military readiness by procuring advanced Israeli defence platforms and systems.
-
NSPA signs new helmet system framework deal and agreement for C-UAS systems
The Caiman helmet has been designed to be scalable for dynamic operations with mission-specific accessories and can incorporate electronics, communications headsets and other critical equipment.
-
US Missile Defense Agency’s budget could be cut by $2.6 billion over the next three years
The reduction would impact several acquisition and development programmes, creating capabilities gaps in US missile defence architecture.
-
Israel ramps up Arrow-4 development following Iranian attack
Israel’s Ministry of Defense has fast-tracked the development of the Arrow-4 ballistic missile interceptor in response to recent Iranian ballistic missile attacks.
-
Saab to manufacture Carl-Gustaf M4 near New Delhi as Swedish firm eyes Indian expansion
Saab has planned to build “a streamlined ownership structure” in India to accelerate its investment plans and developing capabilities in the country.
-
Japan orders THeMIS UGVs
Milrem’s Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) is a modular, multimission, hybrid UGV. The current fifth-generation model incorporates knowledge gained during tests in the US, Europe and the Middle East, as well as during field-deployment in Mali in the French-led Operation Barkhane.