Land Modernisation Programmes Gather Pace Across Europe and Beyond

Why It Matters

Modernising land forces is critical for NATO and partner armies to counter evolving threats and maintain battlefield relevance, while the surge in uncrewed and digital solutions reshapes procurement strategies worldwide.

Key Takeaways

• Spain creates Indra Land Vehicles to build next-gen AFVs and artillery
• New 155 mm tracked and wheeled self‑propelled guns will replace M109A5 fleet
• Kalyani showcases MArG 39 BR, first European debut, with Armenia as launch customer
• Milrem Robotics' HAVOC robot integrates modular weapons for air‑defence and anti‑UAV roles
• Rheinmetall expands Caracal 6×6 air‑assault variant, adding payload and flexibility

Pulse Analysis

Eurosatory 2026 highlighted how recent conflicts, especially Ukraine, have accelerated land‑force renewal across Europe and beyond. Militaries are prioritising long‑range fires, rapid mobility and survivability in contested environments, prompting a wave of investment in both legacy platforms and cutting‑edge technologies. The exhibition served as a barometer for shifting doctrines, where digitisation, network‑centric warfare and autonomous systems are now core requirements for future combat vehicles.

Spain emerged as a focal point, with Indra establishing a new subsidiary, Indra Land Vehicles, to deliver a family of 155 mm self‑propelled artillery—both tracked and wheeled—to replace the aging M109A5 fleet. The programme also includes an 8×8 amphibious combat vehicle for the Marine Corps and a 24‑metre bridge‑layer capable of supporting ML‑80 loads. Parallel efforts on the Dragon 8×8 platform, involving domestic suppliers like SAPA and EM&E, illustrate Spain’s broader push to integrate indigenous components despite schedule setbacks. Meanwhile, Indian defence exporter Kalyani leveraged the show to introduce its MArG 39 BR system, a 155 mm/39‑calibre gun on a protected 4×4 chassis, already ordered by Armenia, signalling growing competition in the global artillery market.

Uncrewed combat vehicles captured significant attention, with Milrem Robotics and Moog presenting the HAVOC platform equipped with a reconfigurable weapons suite for air‑defence and counter‑UAV missions. The modular design, featuring a 30 mm cannon and short‑range missiles, reflects a broader industry trend toward reducing crew risk while preserving firepower. Complementary announcements from Leonardo Rheinmetall and Rheinmetall’s Caracal 6×6 variant underscore a dual focus on heavy tracked systems and highly mobile light platforms, all underpinned by digital integration. Collectively, these developments indicate that future land forces will blend proven kinetic capabilities with autonomous, networked technologies to meet the demands of modern battlefields.