Image: Rheinmetall
A Spanish-led industrial consortium has formally submitted a proposal to deliver a national high-mobility rocket artillery system for Spain’s armed forces, positioning it as an alternative to existing solutions under the SILAM programme.
EM&E Group and Rheinmetall Expal Munitions, Rheinmetall’s Spanish subsidiary, presented their joint bid to the Ministry of Defence for the Sistema Lanzador de Alta Movilidad (SILAM), according to a statement from the companies. The proposal aims to deliver a domestically developed rocket launcher system aligned with Spain’s operational and strategic requirements.
Coordinated effort with the Ministry of Defence
The consortium, operating as the UTE SILAM joint venture, has worked closely with the Directorate General of Armament and Material within the State Secretariat for Defence. The companies said this coordination focused on accelerating the definition of a viable Spanish solution while ensuring alignment with military needs.
Through this engagement, the partners conducted a detailed assessment of current operational requirements and existing national capabilities. The process, they noted, helped shape a system designed from the outset to serve Spanish strategic interests and defence planning priorities.
Spain has sought to modernise its rocket artillery capabilities in line with NATO standards, amid broader European efforts to strengthen long-range fires and high-mobility precision strike assets.
Phased development of a national rocket artillery system
The UTE SILAM proposal outlines a phased development approach intended to reduce technical risk and support progressive capability growth. The plan includes the delivery of operational launchers and test platforms, supported by a full ecosystem of enabling assets.
These assets include ammunition, reconnaissance vehicles, and command post vehicles, alongside the development and qualification of both training and guided rockets. The consortium said this structure would allow the system to reach full technological maturity in stages while remaining responsive to operational feedback.
The approach also seeks to ensure long-term sustainability, covering the complete system lifecycle from development to in-service support.
Strengthening Spain’s defence industrial base
The SILAM programme forms part of Spain’s Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defence, which aims to reinforce national industrial capabilities in key defence domains. The companies said the programme addresses not only national military needs but also contributes to wider European Union and NATO capability objectives.
Rocket artillery systems remain a highly specialised field, currently dominated by a small number of countries. By pursuing a national solution, Spain aims to secure a stronger position within this segment of the defence market.
According to the consortium, the programme would strengthen domestic supply chains, stimulate technological innovation, and support the development of high-value industrial skills. It would also enhance the Spanish defence industry’s credibility as a partner capable of managing complex, sovereign programmes.
Sovereign control and strategic autonomy
A central element of the proposal involves the independent acquisition of national expertise in the design, development, and manufacture of guided rockets. The companies emphasised that this capability would ensure sovereign control over critical technologies and knowledge.
Such control would allow Spain to manage the full lifecycle of the system without external dependency, improving resilience and operational freedom. The consortium described this technological autonomy as a core pillar of national sovereignty and strategic autonomy.
If selected, the SILAM programme would mark a significant expansion of Spain’s indigenous long-range fires capability, while reinforcing its defence industrial base in an increasingly contested security environment.
Source: Rheinmetall Press Release
