Spain unveils Némesis: a cutting-edge self-propelled artillery system

Saturday 17 May 2025 - 12:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Spain unveils Némesis: a cutting-edge self-propelled artillery system

In an era where military superiority is paramount, Spain has taken a significant step forward with the introduction of Némesis, an innovative self-propelled artillery system that aims to enhance national defense capabilities. Manufactured on European soil, this powerful artillery piece signifies a strategic resurgence of artillery on the modern battlefield.

The developer of defense equipment, GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas (GDELS-SBS), showcased the Némesis system at the International Defense and Security Fair in Spain (FEINDEF). This groundbreaking tracked vehicle promises to restore artillery's essential role in contemporary military conflicts.

Built entirely with European technology, Némesis is produced at GDELS-SBS facilities in Trubia (Asturias) and Alcalá de Guadaira (Sevilla). It emerges in response to the Spanish government's Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defense, aimed at replacing outdated American M-109 vehicles, originally designed in the 1960s.

According to retired Spanish Army Lieutenant General Miguel Alcañiz, Némesis allows artillery to reclaim its critical influence on the battlefield, occupying a position it should never have lost. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has underscored that self-propelled artillery remains a crucial deterrent in warfare, and this new addition will provide the Spanish Armed Forces with unprecedented deployment and operational capabilities.

The ASCOD platform, on which Némesis is based, is the first of its kind to be fully operable remotely, a technological advancement that significantly enhances crew safety. Furthermore, its capability for firing on the move and its rapid operational turnaround time (Shoot & Scoot) establish it as a cutting-edge tactical option for any operational scenario.

In addition to the tracked vehicle, GDELS-SBS has also presented the wheeled Piranha AAC model. Both developments feature high compatibility, thanks to the automatic AGM module produced by KNDS. The combination of mobility and automation ensures that the Armed Forces can deploy artillery across diverse terrains, addressing current strategic demands.

With this innovation, GDELS positions itself as the first company worldwide to offer two autonomous versions of self-propelled artillery, ensuring Europe is equipped to tackle the challenges of modern security.