The historical and technological evolution of Spain’s main land force and its connection to the legacy that also drives ACK3.
The transformation of the Spanish Army over the past decade is not just a matter of modern equipment. It represents a profound shift in mindset, operational structure, and strategic ambition. It has evolved from a force focused on conventional scenarios to a multidomain actor capable of operating in hybrid environments, with advanced technology, faster decision-making cycles, and a constant international presence. This evolution is rooted in its own history: a legacy originating from units that operated globally long before the concept even existed. Understanding this transition helps explain how Spain adapts its defense to today’s world and how that historical spirit continues to inspire organizations like ACK3 in their own operational evolution.
What is the Spanish Army?
The Spanish Army is the land branch of Spain’s Armed Forces and one of the essential pillars of national defense. Beyond its traditional mission, it has become a modern structure that integrates mechanized units, special operations forces, cyber defense capabilities, military intelligence, and permanent international deployments. Its role combines deterrence, support to allies, stabilization of critical areas, and emergency response within national territory. Its history, one of the oldest in Europe, now coexists with a strategy of continuous adaptation to operate in complex, hybrid, and high-risk scenarios.
A history that never fades: from the Tercios to global operations
The Tercios were pioneering military units known for their flexibility, discipline, and ability to operate in multiple scenarios. This global and demanding mission mindset endures today in the Spanish Army, which maintains an international presence in NATO, EU, and UN missions, combines highly trained units with advanced command and surveillance systems, and develops modernization programs such as the 8×8 Dragón and Eurodrone. Technology and human preparedness work together to sustain operational capability.
Modernisation: technology, training, and multidomain
The Spanish Army integrates advanced platforms (8×8 Dragón, NH90, Tigre), battlefield digitization, ISR systems, and unmanned vehicles, enabling precise, real-time operations. Training combines advanced simulation, international exercises, and hybrid scenarios. Defense extends to cyberspace and strategic influence, creating a flexible operational model aligned with multidomain environments, where interoperability and multinational coordination are essential.
A natural parallel: the evolution of the Spanish Army and the evolution of ACK3
Just as the Tercios adapted to prevail in any scenario, ACK3 has built an operational model inspired by the same philosophy: discipline, precision, audacity, and global capability.
Today, ACK3 is the modern embodiment of that legacy: an international ecosystem connected under a follow-the-sun model that ensures 24/7 analysis, coverage, and response. While one team rests, another takes over; while a client starts their day, another already has a report ready for decision-making.
“At ACK3, we transform uncertainty into actionable intelligence, following the legacy of discipline and audacity that Spain demonstrated centuries ago. Our 24/7 global operation is the modern way of staying one step ahead.” – Jorge Quintana, CEO of ACK3
By integrating risk management, economic intelligence, multidomain monitoring, field operations, and a global SOC, ACK3 transforms the night—the uncertainty, the risk, the unexpected—into actionable intelligence. We Own The Night is not just a motto: it is a method. It is also a direct bridge to an operational approach that Spain demonstrated centuries ago.
Do you need a 24/7 strategic approach?
At ACK3, we ensure continuous coverage, ongoing analysis, and fully supported decisions at all times, so your organization never stops.
