The Spanish Army has begun processing a €22.7 million framework agreement to purchase up to 394 heavy machine guns for vehicles and helicopters. The specifications provide for an estimated maximum of 382 M2HB-QCB units and 12 M3M units, along with tools for both models.
The Army Logistics Support Command (MALE), which is overseeing the tender, has published the documentation on the State Procurement Platform. The quantities are not guaranteed: as this is a framework agreement, the final number will depend on the contracts signed during its three-year term.
The budget includes the initial term, extensions and provisions for potential amendments. The first lot, covering the M2 QCBs, accounts for up to €21.2 million; the second, for the M3Ms, has a maximum value of €1.3 million. The other two lots set aside smaller amounts for tools.
The specifications set maximum unit prices excluding VAT of €41,656 for the M2 QCB and €58,108 for the M3M. MALE’s Economic Affairs Directorate has set November 23 as the deadline for submitting bids, while the technical specifications document is classified.
Weapons for vehicles and helicopters
The Spanish Army already uses M2 versions fitted with the QCB system, which enables rapid barrel changes and simplifies maintenance. This type of machine gun can be mounted on a tripod or on vehicle mounts, including those used on the RG-31, Lince and Vamtac, as well as on various tracked platforms.
The M3M is a variant of the Browning family developed for use from helicopters. The model is already in service on the Spanish Army’s NH90 helicopters.
The tender follows a framework agreement awarded to Heckler & Koch on September 1 to acquire 7.62-millimeter MG5 A1 and 5.56-millimeter MG4 E machine guns. That contract is valued at €5.15 million, although the public documentation does not specify how many weapons of each model will be purchased.
