Ukraine Reveals First BMP Armed With Spain’s Guardian 30 Combat Turret

A Ukrainian infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) fitted with what appears to be the Spanish-made Guardian 30 remote-controlled turret has been photographed for the first time, suggesting that the system may have entered service or is undergoing testing with Ukraine’s Defense Forces.

According to Defense Express on June 2, the vehicle was seen in images published by Ukraine’s 146th Separate Repair and Recovery Regiment. The photographs show a Soviet-designed BMP platform equipped with a turret that closely resembles the Guardian 30 system developed by Spanish defense company Escribano Mechanical & Engineering (EM&E).

Military analysts who reviewed the images noted several design features associated with the Spanish turret, including its sensor arrangement, armored housing, and overall layout. Ukrainian authorities have not officially confirmed the turret’s identity.

According to Defense Express, the photographed vehicle was likely being transported rather than deployed in combat, as the 146th Separate Repair and Recovery Regiment is responsible for moving, repairing, and restoring military equipment. The publication noted that the vehicle may have been en route from a production or upgrade facility to an operational unit.

The Guardian 30 is a remotely operated combat module designed for integration on both tracked and wheeled armored vehicles. In its standard configuration, the system can be armed with a 30 mm Mk 44 Bushmaster II automatic cannon and anti-tank guided missiles.

The version observed in Ukraine appears to feature a different weapon configuration, though the exact armament has not been disclosed.

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According to Defense Express, the original Guardian 30 design can also accommodate the Soviet-designed 2A42 30 mm cannon commonly used on BMP-2 vehicles.

The publication reported that the turret photographed in Ukraine does not appear to be fitted with a Bushmaster cannon. It remains unclear whether the Ukrainian version includes anti-tank missile launchers and, if so, which missile system is being used.

The sighting follows discussions held in 2025 between Ukraine’s Ministry of Strategic Industries and representatives of EM&E regarding the potential localization of Guardian 30 production in Ukraine. At the time, both sides explored cooperation with Ukrainian defense manufacturers and the possibility of producing certain components domestically.

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