The SPY reconnaissance vehicle was developed as a private venture by the MOWAG company specifically for the export market; the first prototypes were completed in 1980. Drive train components, pressure, hydraulic and electrical components of the SPY are also used in the MOWAG Piranha range of 4 x 4, 6 x 6 and 8x8 armoured vehicles, which are fully described in the Armoured personnel carriers (wheeled) section. In 1982, it was announced that an undisclosed Asian country had placed an order for between 20 and 50 SPYs fitted with a MOWAG-designed one-man turret armed with a 12.7 and a 7.62 mm machine gun.

There has been no recent production of the MOWAG SPY vehicle. This vehicle is still being marketed by MOWAG for the export market.

The hull of the SPY is made of all-welded steel and gives complete protection against small arms fire up to 7.62 mm AP calibre over the front, sides and rear, against anti-personnel mines exploding under the hull and against shell splinters above the hull.

The driver is seated at the front of the hull on the left with the commander immediately behind. The driver has a single-piece hatch cover and three periscopes for forward observation, the centre one of which can be replaced by an image intensification periscope for night driving. The commander has a cupola mounted on a plinth above the roof to give observation over the driver. The cupola has a single-piece hatch cover and a periscope. In the side of the hull behind the commander is a small door that opens forwards.

The engine compartment is to the right of the driver with the air inlet and outlets in the roof and the exhaust pipe along the right side of the hull.

A variety of armament installations can be mounted at the rear of the hull including the MOWAG Type V 041 and Type V 042 turrets. The V 042 is armed with a remote-controlled 12.7 mm M2 HB machine gun with an elevation of +45°, depression of -8° and turret traverse of 360°. Turret traverse and weapon elevation are manual and 100 rounds of ready use ammunition are provided. The gunner aims the machine gun with a roof-mounted PERI-Z-12 sight with a magnification of x 1 and either side of this is a periscope for lateral observation.

The Type V 041 turret is armed with a 12.7 and a 7.62 mm machine gun with an elevation of +50°, depression of -10° and turret traverse of 360°. Turret traverse and weapon elevation are manual and 200 rounds of 12.7 mm and 500 rounds of 7.62 mm ready use ammunition are carried. The gunner aims the weapons via a PERI-Z-11 sight with a magnification of x 2 and x 6 and also has seven periscopes for all-round vision.

All four wheels have independent suspension and the front axle can be disengaged for road driving. Automatic locking differentials and run-flat core tyres are fitted as standard.

Optional equipment includes various radio installations and an air conditioning system.

Production as required. In service with an undisclosed country.