Spanish military to make its own ‘over 300km-range’ MLRS

The Spanish army is embarking on a significant shift in its strategy, aiming to reinstate multiple rocket launchers for its army after phasing them out in 2011. The country's SILAM (Sistema Lanzador of Alta Movilidad) program, with an allocated budget of up to €714 million, is set to enhance the army's long-range strike capabilities, addressing range constraints and improving operational adaptability in response to evolving geostrategic needs, while exploring domestic and international options for the advanced launch system, as the Bulgarian Military platform reported. Caliber.Az reprints this article.

"In a considerable shift from 2011, when the Spanish Army ceased its use of multiple rocket launchers, specifically the Teruel systems with a range of just 25 km, there is now a significant push to reinstate this firepower. Sadly, these systems were phased out without any replacement.

Stirred by the evolving geostrategic landscape and duties to NATO, Spain is steadfastly looking to resurrect this capability. The catch, though, lies in heightened performance, an objective that the SILAM [Sistema Lanzador of Alta Movilidad] program is purported to achieve.

The Spanish government has expressed urgency in its efforts, eager to augment the Spanish Army’s far-reaching strike potential. This mission found concrete expression on October 10 when approval was granted for the procurement of long-range artillery systems, an investment requiring approximately 580 million euros.

Over 300km range

This hefty sum merely represents the initial phase, as the allocated budget for the SILAM project holds a ceiling of €714 million for the period spanning 2023 to 2027.

As the Spanish government has stated, these systems will address the range constraints of cannon-launched munitions, hitting targets beyond 300 km. Not only does this increase the operational adaptability of the Spanish Army in denying access scenarios, but it also promises a reduction in ammunition usage and collateral damage risks.

Significantly, the M142 HIMARS from US-based Lockheed-Martin may miss the mark, as the Spanish clearly rule out an 'off-the-shelf purchase'. Their preference points towards a domestic solution, even if it needs to be developed from an existing foreign system. Equally, the PESCO e-COLORSS indirect fire support system, seems unpalatable.

Three prospects

Currently, three prospects are under consideration. The first leans towards South Korea’s salvo system, dubbed the Chunmoo, powered by the Genesis 3000. The alternate proposition revolves around an Astros-based system cultivated in cooperation between Brazil’s Avibras and NTGS [New Technologies Global Systems]. However, the third solution seems to hold the most promise.

By bridging the expertise of Escribano, GMV, Expal [a subsidiary of German Rheinemetall], and the Israeli Elbit Systems, a Spanish rendition of the PULS [Multipurpose Universal Launch System] system could be born—one that perfectly aligns with the Spanish Army’s requirements.

About SILAM

The Spanish defense program SILAM is designed to provide a mobile and versatile platform for launching various types of missiles, including surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles.

It is known for its high mobility, allowing it to be rapidly deployed and repositioned in different operational scenarios. The SILAM’s high mobility is due to its specialized vehicles with advanced suspension and propulsion, enabling quick travel across various terrains.

The launcher vehicles are also designed to provide a stable firing platform, ensuring accurate and reliable missile launches even while on the move.

SILAM’s targeting capabilities allow it to engage a wide range of threats, including aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles [UAVs], and ground targets. SILAM’s guidance systems ensure that the missiles are directed toward their intended targets accurately, increasing the probability of mission success.

Continuous research

The Spanish defense program SILAM has undergone rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure its effectiveness and reliability. It has been extensively used in military exercises and training scenarios to validate its performance and operational capabilities.

The program has also benefited from continuous research and development efforts, incorporating lessons learned from real-world operations and technological advancements. SILAM’s successful deployment and utilization by the Spanish armed forces demonstrate its value as a critical component of Spain’s defense strategy.

The abandoned Teruel system

Reflecting back, the Spanish Army previously relinquished their hold over the Teruel artillery system. The Spanish government seems wise in its choices when observed in detail. Evidently, the Teruel system lacks the ability to provide significant advantage or response in the face of contemporary warfare.

Between the years 1985 and 2011, the Spanish Army utilized the Teruel salvo rocket system. This apparatus, boasting the capability to unleash 140mm artillery rockets from a total of 40 launchers in a time span of less than half a minute, was integrated on a platform of a Pegaso truck.

Prior to the initiation of the firing process, crucial preparatory steps are needed. Specifically, the stabilizer jacks must be deployed and a blast shield elevated to safeguard the cabin and its inhabitants. This system permits the launch of missiles to a maximum distance of 25 kilometers".