As reported by Defensa on March 15, 2025, Spain has selected the U.S. Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV), based on the Italian Iveco SuperAV 8×8, to replace its fleet of AAV-7 vehicles in the Marine Corps. The acquisition plan includes 34 units scheduled for procurement between 2024 and 2035. Initial delays were attributed to financial constraints, but funding has now been secured, allowing the acquisition process to begin in 2025. The ACVs will replace the 19 AAV-7A1s currently in service, consisting of 16 personnel transport variants, two command vehicles, and one recovery vehicle. The replacement will also extend to the Piranha IIIC 8×8 armored vehicles.
Production of the ACV will take place in Spain, involving both Iveco Defense Vehicles (IDV) and Indra. Iveco will oversee vehicle production through its existing manufacturing facilities in Madrid and Valladolid, while Indra will integrate specific national systems based on the requirements set by the Spanish Ministry of Defense. The proportion of domestically produced components has not been disclosed, but this aligns with Indra’s strategic objective of expanding its role in domestic armored vehicle manufacturing. The Spanish Marine Corps expects the first deliveries in the coming years, with deployment focused on the first and second battalions of the “Tercio de Armada” Marine Brigade. The third battalion, which operates Piranha vehicles, will continue using them.
Spain’s consideration of the ACV dates back to at least 2022, when discussions about replacing the AAV-7 and Piranha fleets intensified. Lieutenant Colonel Miguel Hernández Suárez-Llanos outlined a proposal estimating that 60 to 65 ACVs would be required for a full modernization of the Marine Corps’ fleet, with a projected cost between €350 million and €400 million. The ACV was assessed for its troop capacity, modular architecture, and adaptability for various roles, including reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and UAV integration. Additionally, the Spanish Navy plans to procure 12 more 8×8 armored vehicles equipped with either a 105mm or 120mm cannon to replace the retired M60 tanks.