- Latvia, Spain and Austria signed a letter of intent to expand cooperation on ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles during a multinational meeting at Ādaži base.
- GDELS presented Latvia’s customized ASCOD Hunter IFV, part of a procurement program that will deliver 84 vehicles to the Latvian Armed Forces starting in 2027.
Latvia has formally joined the allied user group for ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles, marking a new stage of international cooperation on tracked armored platforms.
The announcement was made Thursday at the Ādaži military base, where delegations from Latvia, Spain, Austria, and the United Kingdom gathered for the group’s first meeting.
According to the Latvian Ministry of Defence, the event brought together Defence Minister Andris Sprūds and Brigadier General Georgs Kerlins, Chief of the Joint Staff of the National Armed Forces. During the meeting, Latvia, Spain, and Austria signed a letter of intent to advance collaboration and integration in the ASCOD infantry fighting vehicle domain.
Spanish defense manufacturer GDELS–Santa Bárbara Sistemas, which produces the ASCOD family, presented the ASCOD Hunter, a configuration developed specifically for Latvia’s requirements. Participants also observed a live demonstration of the Hunter and the Pizarro, showcasing their mobility and combat capabilities.
In a statement, Sprūds said: “Today we affirm that the foundation of NATO’s strength is the unity of allies and our readiness to stand shoulder to shoulder to protect the security of our region. I thank our partners for their contribution to the ASCOD program, which improves the mobility, protection, and resilience of Latvia’s land forces. The letter of intent signed today is an important step toward closer cooperation and a stronger European defense, and we look forward to welcoming other allies to this program in the future.”
The ASCOD Hunter is a localized variant of the ASCOD tracked platform tailored to Latvia’s mechanized infantry operations. The Ministry noted that the vehicle has been “substantially improved” to meet modern battlefield demands, including upgraded firepower, modular protection, and full interoperability with Latvian and NATO equipment. Soldiers of the Mechanized Infantry Brigade—future operators of the vehicle—selected the name Hunter.
The Ministry explained that the name reflects an element of Latvian mythology: the hunter as a symbol of courage, skill, connection to nature, and the ability to survive in any conditions. The association with weapons and hunting tools, the statement said, aligns well with the tasks and character of the vehicle and its crews.
Earlier this year, Latvia signed a contract with GDELS–Santa Bárbara Sistemas for 42 ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles valued at €373 million. In June, the Cabinet of Ministers approved purchasing an additional 42 vehicles for another €387 million, accelerating the rearmament of a second battalion and advancing NATO capability targets. In total, Latvia will receive 84 ASCOD platforms, with at least 30% local industry involvement in delivery and support.
The first vehicles are scheduled to arrive in 2027.