“We are prepared to offer the 6x6 option that best suits the needs of our Army”, Juan Escriña, CEO of GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas
Interview with Juan Escriña, CEO of GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas (GDELS-SBS)
Following the Spanish Army's plans to renew its self-propelled artillery, what are the GDELS-SBS wheeled and tracked artillery proposals?
General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) has made a firm commitment to innovation in self-propelled artillery systems, given that this is a fundamental need identified in the current defense context by both our Army and our main European partners. Anyone who visits our stand at FEINDEF will have the opportunity to see our self-propelled artillery proposals: the 10x10 wheeled vehicle based on the GDELS Piranha platform and the tracked vehicle, based on the ASCOD platform, which is being presented for the first time at the fair. Our proposals are unique in the market due to their operational capacity, versatility, commonality, and interoperability. Furthermore, they are an example of what can be achieved through collaboration with leading European companies in their respective sectors, in this case GDELS and KNDS. Collaboration is the key to the success of the European and Spanish defense industry.
The Spanish Army appears to include new 6x6 armored vehicles among its future acquisitions. What needs have they communicated to you, and what are the company's offerings?
Our mission is to always anticipate the needs of our customers and provide them with proven, yet constantly evolving, technologies. We are aware of our Army's interest in 6x6 vehicles and we are prepared to offer the option from our product portfolio that best suits our Army's needs, from the Eagle 6x6 to the Pandur 6x6 and the new Piranha 6x6. Our plans include providing the national industry with access to European GDELS technologies and working on local training, replicating the successful model of the 8x8 DRAGON program.
What can you tell us about the recent developments in international GDELS programs with Spanish participation (ASCOD for Latvia, the Philippines, Ajax, etc.)?
We all know that the current international context requires industry to be prepared to respond immediately to the needs of the armed forces. Our international programs are an example of our capabilities and that from Spain we can lead the most cutting-edge land-based programs.
The Ajax program was a turning point for GDELS-SBS, as it allowed the ASCOD platform to mature and reach the highest standards of excellence. The development of proprietary technologies, know-how, and experience acquired, combined with continuous innovation, have positioned GDELS-SBS as an international benchmark in tracked vehicles.
We are very proud to see the results of our technological commitment over all these years, but we continue to strive. I invite everyone to visit our stand to see the latest technological innovations we are incorporating.
How would you highlight the recent history of GDELS-SBS in terms of national programs and industrial implementation in Spain?
GDELS-SBS's impact on the Spanish defense industry over the last 25 years is undeniable. Since General Dynamics acquired Santa Bárbara in 2001, the company has undergone a profound transformation.
At that time, we were manufacturing and integrating third-party products under license, and now we design and manufacture our own technologies. Not only that, we also train our partners in these 100% Spanish and European technologies.
We have modernized our facilities, turning them into centers of excellence, with cutting-edge, digital, and automated manufacturing capabilities. Our Trubia factory is the best example. Furthermore, we have become an international benchmark.
GDELS-SBS's commitment to the Spanish defense industry has been firm and constant. Investments during this time exceed €450 million, and we have actively contributed to the development of the industrial fabric. Today, we have a system of more than 900 suppliers distributed throughout Spain. Many of these companies are currently in the sector thanks to Santa Bárbara's qualifications. This entire journey allows us to be ready to respond immediately to current needs. We have been preparing for more than 20 years.
What does the reactivation of cannon manufacturing in Trubia entail? Are there firm orders?
The manufacture of complete large-caliber muzzles is a capability that few companies in Europe have; in Spain, only GDELS SBS. And within this process, there is the key element: barrel manufacturing. After several years of inactivity due to a lack of contracts, we decided to reactivate the production line and recover our know-how, because we were sure that one day the need would arise again. Finally, it has, and we are ready.
So far, we have completed and delivered the first two units of 155/52 caliber barrels and are finalizing the details of the next contract for barrels in the same caliber.
Tell us about GDELS - SBS's participation in European R&D&I programs such as MARTE.
Strengthening public-private collaboration at the national and European levels is one of our priorities. We have participated from the initial stages in initiatives articulated under the European Funds (EDFs) and are ready to begin working on projects linked to SAFE (Security Action for Europe).
MARTE is a good example of our participation in this type of project. It is an exciting project that will demonstrate how the collaboration of European industry makes us stronger. We are also particularly proud of our participation in the COMMANDS project and being an active part of the future of our armed forces' operations. We look forward to sharing updates in the coming months, but these are just a few examples of our ongoing activities.
I would also like to highlight that, in addition to the programs co-funded by the European Union, GDELS continuously invests its own funds to evolve its product portfolio and remain at the forefront of technologies applied to the land defense environment.
As the program's lead technologist, what is the short-term timeline for the Dragon program?
As is well known, the Dragon program is led by TESS Defense, a company in which we participate alongside Indra, SAPA, and EM&E. GDELS-SBS's role in the Dragon program is to manufacture and supply the complete platform, integrating the subsystems that constitute the scope of the other TESS partners, as well as various components and elements managed by TESS itself. From this perspective, you will understand that it is TESS Defense that defines and controls the delivery schedule.
What is the future of the Pizarro platform in the Spanish Army? Will we see a Phase III Pizarro?
The Pizarro, a product of which we are very proud, has proven itself, in the hands of our Army's excellent professionals, to be an excellent operational tool and still has potential for use. However, current circumstances, the rapid evolution of threats, and new combat scenarios require a corresponding evolution of land systems.
Therefore, we are all convinced that we will see a Pizarro III: defense capability and superiority in combat require it, our technology and industrial capacity allow it, and our Army deserves it.
Regarding platforms and weapons systems, what lessons is the group drawing from the three years of war in Ukraine?
In my opinion, this absolutely unjust conflict raises a number of important operational considerations from the perspective of the land systems industry. Regarding artillery, which is the basis for a large part of our presence at FEINDEF, it has been proven that it has regained its place and role on the battlefield, and, as with tanks, it needs to evolve, increasing its mobility, protection, and range. Precisely for this reason, we are presenting self-propelled artillery solutions at FEINDEF, both wheeled and tracked.
Regarding other issues, it has been demonstrated that mobility, logistics, and protection are key. And I am referring to logistics in its full breadth, from supplies to maintaining the operational capacity of systems.
Regarding the emergence of new forms of aggression, the entire spectrum of cyber threats requires a new layer of protection for ground systems in addition to the traditional ones. The emergence of drones with great destructive capacity at very low cost also requires the implementation of active and passive protection systems on the upper deck of platforms.
Finally, the main battle tank is still alive and needs changes and evolution, especially in terms of its upper protection and active protection systems, taking into account everything mentioned above.
