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
-
![Estonia takes delivery of six HIMARS]()
Estonia takes delivery of six HIMARS
Estonia has taken delivery of six Lockheed Martin High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) weapons. The delivery comes only a month after Australia received its first system and the company outlined plans to improve missiles fired from the system.
-
![Hanwha contracted to develop radar for South Korean missile defence]()
Hanwha contracted to develop radar for South Korean missile defence
Hanwha will develop the multi-function radar of the Low Altitude Missile Defense (LAMD), work which is scheduled to be completed before the end of 2028.
-
![Anduril Industries unveils improved electromagnetic warfare system]()
Anduril Industries unveils improved electromagnetic warfare system
Pulsar-L has already entered service and weighs about 12kg with range of 5km. It was only in May last year that the company disclosed that earlier versions were already in service.
-
![Romania approved for additional $280 million Patriot Air Defence System buy]()
Romania approved for additional $280 million Patriot Air Defence System buy
The possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) from the US will cover the system and any related equipment with Lockheed Martin and RTX as primary contractors.
