VAMTAC SK-95: this is the new light artillery truck of the Spanish Army

A few days ago, the VII Field Artillery Group (GACA VII), based in Pontevedra, received the new Uro VAMTAC SK-95 artillery trucks.

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These trucks come to replace the already veteran Uro MAT-18.16, which have been in service for 20 years. Like its predecessor, the mission of the VAMTAC SK-95 is to tow the 105 mm L-118 Light Gun artillery pieces, acquired by the Spanish Army in 1995 to equip light infantry units (BRILAT, Legion, BRIPAC and Mountain Hunters), replacing the OTO Melara M-56.

Like its predecessor, the VAMTAC SK-95 is manufactured by the company Urovesa, based in Santiago de Compostela and which is also the manufacturer of the Uro VAMTAC S-3 and ST-5 that is coming using the Army. The SK-95 is, in fact, based on the ST-5, sharing its chassis and many of its components, with which the new vehicle provides considerable logistical advantages by simplifying the spare parts needed to maintain both Models.

The 2nd Battery of the GACA VII was the pilot unit of the Spanish Army to test this vehicle, tests that were carried out between February and April 2019. The purpose of the tests was to experience how its response was loaded with the equipment and on different terrains, and to aim possible improvements to Urovesa. The SK-95 has been specially designed to tow the L-118 and to facilitate its deployment in the shortest time possible.

In the image of the delivery of vehicles published by the Spanish Army on August 22, taken at the General Morillo Base of the 7th Brigade "Galicia" (BRILAT) in Figueirido (Pontevedra), a total of 12 vehicles appear in two versions: 6 in the weapons-carrying version with a double cabin and another 6 for personnel transport with a single cabin. The weapons-carrying version trucks can carry 6 soldiers in their cab (including the driver) and have a box at the rear specially adapted for artillery units and a canvas roof. The personnel carrier version can carry 3 soldiers in its cabin (including the driver) and 14 soldiers in the cargo area.

The great advantage offered by the VAMTAC SK-95 in the weapons-carrying version compared to its predecessor, the MAT-18.16, is that from now on the crew of the piece can reach the deployment area of a comfortably, in the cabin, without suffering the discomfort and inclement weather of the cargo area. Something that in a rainy region like Galicia will be very appreciated by the BRILAT soldiers. In addition, the double-cabin weapon-carrying version has a rotating turret with a mount for MG-3 machine guns, located at the front, an advantage that the MAT-18.16 did not offer.

According to Urovesa, VAMTAC SK has 100% lockable 4x4 traction, an engine with power of up to 245 CV, automatic transmission with 7 gears (6 forward and 1 reverse) and a maximum authorized mass of 11,000 kg. These vehicles are ideal for use in mountainous areas and also for air transport, as they can be loaded onto tactical transport aircraft.

In addition to the weapons carrier and personnel carrier versions received by BRILAT, Urovesa also sells light ambulance and firefighting versions of the SK. The Spanish Army acquired two SK firefighting in 2021. One of them, painted white, was deployed in April 2022 in Lebanon.

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Main photo: Ejército de Tierra. The 12 VAMTAC SK-95 delivered a few days ago to the GACA VII of the BRILAT.