The Spanish military is actively exploring different approaches to counter unmanned aerial vehicles. Recently, the air defense group of the 30th Mixed Artillery Regiment conducted live-fire exercises against drones. The drills were organized by sergeant cadets from the Artillery Academy in cooperation with air defense command units. Footage of the exercises has been released via official Spanish military channels.
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According to Infodefensa, Spain is also procuring modern counter-UAV systems such as Aracne, a joint development by Indra and EM&E Group.
However, during the recent drills, the military relied on relatively old twin 35/90 anti-aircraft guns, with slightly more than 90 units currently in service.
Originally procured in the 1970s, these systems were upgraded in the early 2000s to the GDF-007 standard. The modernization included an updated fire control system, with the overall system designated as Skydor.
Last year, Sapa and Navantia were tasked with carrying out a major overhaul of these guns, including refurbishment of barrels and other key components. The fire control system is also set to be upgraded, allowing the systems to remain operational until at least 2030.
The 35/90 system has a maximum effective firing range of 4,000 meters and a rate of fire of 550 rounds per minute per barrel.
Anti-aircraft artillery remains one of the viable options for countering long-range strike drones. In addition to the Spanish case, France has also explored the idea of creating around 50 Shahed-killer systems based on legacy 1970s-era guns, with deliveries planned by the end of May this year.
Previously, Defense Express reported that Spain's only base for Tiger attack helicopters is expected to remain without stable power supply until at least 2027.
From the Defense Express side, we urge readers to join a fundraiser for a solution that is already proving effective: the One United Fundraiser, organized by the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation to support interceptor drones.
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