The operational demo of the Spanish MoD’s Dismounted-Soldier System (Sistema Combatiente a Pie: SISCAP), developed by GMV and Indra, was held from 5 to 9 October.

Driven by the Directorate General of Armaments and Material (DGAM), SISCAP’s remit is to develop and integrate technology that suitably equips soldiers for an efficient combat operation. This national program, kicking off in 2017, is broken down into 7 subsystems: Armaments and Munitions (Armamento y Munición); Fire Efficiency (Eficacia de Fuego: EFU); Communications and Information Subsystem (Subsistema de Información y Comunicación: SIC); Upkeep (Sostenimiento); Survival (Supervivencia); Power Source (Fuente de Alimentación: FAL); and Training (Preparación).

SISCAP, drawing from the lessons learned in the forerunner Future Soldier 2006-2010 (Combatiente del Futuro: COMFUT) program, involves the development of 3 prototypes (HW and SW). SISCAP in particular centers on the research, design, development and vetting of the functions of the EFU subsystem to boost its capabilities of detection, reconnaissance and acquisition, together with the basic SIC components for the soldier’s connectivity, such as the system’s screenless computer, device control components, helmet-mounted display, platoon leader’s graphic terminal, soldier’s control unit push-button panel and built-in sensors (personal camera and wireless laser telemeter).

GMV, in a joint venture with Indra, is responsible for integration of the abovementioned subsystems and developing the electronics and software of the soldier’s main computer, the Central Power Distribution and Processing Unit (Unidad central del Proceso y distribución de Energía: UCPE). The UCPE, based on previous inhouse GMV R&D, is responsible for command and control capabilities, connectivity with the devices carried by the soldier and power management, one of the most critical factors in the whole soldier system.

The operative demos involved several test cases representing three operational scenarios of the dismounted soldier system deployed around the maneuver field: reconnaissance platoon, surveillance platoon and a checkpoint. Day- and night-time firing sessions were also held to test the firing components’ direct and indirect marksmanship.

Under the supervision of Colonel Moisés Serrano Martínez, head of the DGAM program, together with the rest of SISCAP’s Program Office, the exercises were held on El Goloso military base with the personnel of the VIII Bandera de la Legión and the Regimiento Asturias. Adding his own expertise and advice was division general, García de las Hijas, procurement manager of the Spanish Army’s Logistic Support Command (Mando de Apoyo Logístico del Ejército: MALE); brigade general Pérez, MALE’s deputy arms systems manager; brigade general Colomer, head of the Guadarrama brigade, plus personnel of the Chief of Staff and Logistics Support Command of the Ministry of Defense.

GMV boasts a wealth of experience in developing dismounted soldier systems. In 2007 it was responsible for the communications and information system of the Spanish MoD’s COMFUT program; in 2013 it led one of the seven studies of the CEDS FSP initiative, and since 2017 it has been developing the new SISCAP version. It is also participating in the technological program of the MoD’s VCR 8X8 vehicle, where it is developing soldiers’ command and control software.