Spanish marines seek for 800m-range anti-tank missile system
The Spanish Marine Corps [Infantería de Marina] is committed to acquiring a new anti-tank system with a range of up to 800 meters to increase the protection of the units that make up the landing force.
Anti-tank defense is currently based on the Spike missile, which is in service with Spanish battalions, with a range of up to 4,000 meters. The department is looking for a system to deal with closer threats, that is, for the well-known instant defense, which was crippled by the loss of the Dragon system a few years ago.
The Marine Corps is currently working on contract specifications and researching the capabilities the future system should have that will be integrated into the rifles.
Major General Rafael Roldan, commander-in-chief of the corps, detailed in a recent interview: “Above all, we are looking for a system that is reliable, robust, has a good durable aiming system and provides day and night vision. And then you have a variety of munitions that allow you to take down a target, enter a building, create a smoke screen, or operate against personnel. That’s what we’re looking for,” he explains. The general clarifies that “there is no set pattern.” Regarding the range, concrete, “we are moving in a margin of 600-800 meters.”
Among the requirements, the Marine Corps also considered it important that the system have a state-of-the-art simulator to facilitate training and training.
Roldan points out that “in the simulation, you can see the effects of the pointer or whether you have selected the target correctly. We are not only looking to buy a weapon, but we also want a simulation system that is very good at reducing training costs and especially ammunition costs”.
In this case, one of the choices may be the Spike Missile Simulator, which allows shooters to be trained at a reduced cost. The training system must allow personnel to be trained indoors and outdoors, both at Marine Corps facilities and on the field of maneuver once the force is deployed.
