EM&E Group and Rheinmetall’s Spanish subsidiary, Rheinmetall Expal Munitions, have jointly submitted a proposal to the Spanish Ministry of Defence to develop an indigenous alternative under the SILAM high-mobility rocket launcher system program.
The move follows the 2023 cancellation of a 697-million-euro ($808 million) rocket artillery contract awarded to Israel’s Elbit Systems in partnership with Spain’s EM&E Group and Expal.
The program, based on Elbit’s Precise and Universal Launching System, was halted amid political fallout linked to the Gaza war.
As an alternative, the Spanish joint venture has put forward a phased proposal for the development of a rocket artillery system conceived from the outset as a fully national program in Spain.
The proposal calls for the delivery of operational and test launchers, associated ammunition, reconnaissance and command post vehicles, along with the development and qualification of training rockets and guided munitions.
“This approach will allow for progressive advancement toward the system’s full technological maturity, ensuring its suitability for operational requirements and its long-term sustainability,” a Rheinmetall press release stated.
SILAM Rocket Artillery
The SILAM program was initiated to close the capability gap created by the retirement of Spain’s Teruel multiple rocket launcher in 2011.
Ahead of submitting its proposal, the Spanish joint venture conducted an in-depth assessment of operational requirements and existing capabilities to ensure alignment with Spain’s strategic interests.
Embedded in the Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defence, the initiative seeks to meet the requirements of the Spanish Armed Forces while strengthening national industry, supply chains, and technological innovation, and supporting EU and NATO defence objectives.
“Furthermore, the programme will enable the independent acquisition of national expertise in the design, development, and manufacture of guided rockets, guaranteeing sovereign control of critical knowledge and the complete system lifecycle,” the press release added.
“This technological autonomy strengthens national sovereignty, increases the resilience of the defence system, and constitutes a fundamental pillar of strategic autonomy.”
Program to Leverage Rheinmetall’s Experience
While no details of the future system concept have been disclosed, the program is expected to draw on Rheinmetall’s experience developing the Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS) in cooperation with Lockheed Martin.
GMARS combines Rheinmetall’s HX 8×8 tactical truck chassis with launcher technologies derived from Lockheed Martin’s HIMARS and M270 systems.
The platform is designed to fire a range of combat-proven munitions, including the Multiple Launch Rocket System family, the long-range Precision Strike Missile, and the Army Tactical Missile System.
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