Spanish Army tests armed robotic ground vehicles

Spain’s EM&E Group has carried out live-fire trials of its Aunav robotic ground vehicles equipped with Guardian Aspis remote weapon stations during a Spanish Army experimentation campaign, showcasing their ability to engage targets while on the move.

The testing took place from April 7 to April 17 at the Álvarez de Sotomayor training base in Viator, Almería. The exercise formed part of the Army’s third Tactical Experimentation Campaign, organized by the Future Force Center and the “Alfonso XIII” II Brigade of the Spanish Legion as the service advances its Force 35 modernization effort.

During the event, EM&E deployed two of its unmanned ground platforms, the aunav.BEST and the newly introduced aunav.LINK. Both systems were paired with the company’s Guardian Aspis remote weapon station, allowing operators to control movement and firepower through a single integrated setup.

In live-fire drills, the vehicles engaged targets using a stabilized 7.62 mm machine gun at distances of up to 1,200 meters. The firing was conducted while the platforms were moving, demonstrating their ability to maintain accuracy under dynamic conditions—an important requirement for robotic systems intended for frontline use.

The aunav.LINK system stood out for its single-operator concept. One user can control both the vehicle and the weapon station through a unified interface, reducing the need for multiple personnel and simplifying how the system is deployed in the field.

That integration allows for quicker reaction during engagements, with the operator able to maneuver and fire without switching between separate controls. It also reduces the exposure of troops by enabling remote engagement in situations where direct contact would carry higher risk.

Both Aunav platforms are developed in Spain, and their pairing with the Guardian Aspis system creates a complete unmanned combat solution capable of engaging targets independently. The setup is intended to support a range of missions where robotic systems can take on roles traditionally carried out by manned units.

For EM&E, the demonstration served as a step toward broader use of its robotic platforms within the Spanish Army. The results showed how unmanned ground vehicles can be adapted for combat roles, combining mobility, firepower, and remote operation in a single system.