Latvia to purchase 42 ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles for €373 million

RIGA - Latvia has signed a contract with the Spanish company GDELS-Santa Barbara Sistemas for the delivery of 42 ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles to the National Armed Forces (NBS) at a cost of EUR 373 million, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) informed LETA.

The 42 vehicles are to be delivered within three years, with the first armoured vehicles arriving next year. At the same time, the contract allows Latvia to order new batches of vehicles on a separate basis.

According to the contract, involvement of local industry will contribute to 30 percent of ensuring the combat vehicles.

The contract was signed by Major General Andis Dilans, Deputy State Secretary for Provisions of the MoD, and Alejandro Page Hernandez, Vice President of the Spanish company GDELS-Santa Barbara Sistemas, in the presence of Defense Minister Andris Spruds (Progressives).

The infantry combat machines come with NATO standard level four armor, automatic cannon, anti-tank weapons, machine gun and other state-of-the-art technologies that will ensure soldiers situational awareness on the battlefield. The infantry fighting vehicle`s crew consist of three soldiers, and it is capable of transporting and deploying six soldiers with full combat equipment.

The MoD points out that the procedure for procuring infantry fighting vehicles was launched in early 2023, with several potential suppliers selected as part of a thorough feasibility study. Functional tests of supplier infantry fighting vehicles were conducted in autumn 2023 to obtain data on the operational capabilities of the platforms.

Following the functional tests, the National Armed Forces carried out an in-depth assessment of the results obtained in accordance with their operational needs. Platform costs, available equipment, meeting local industry engagement requirements, delivery deadlines and other aspects were also assessed.

Under the National Defense Concept, the National Armed Forces must develop capabilities by increasing fire capacity and distances that prevent an adversary from operating freely in the air, sea and ground. At the same time, the capabilities of anti-aircraft defense, coastal defense and long-range missile artillery and drones should be further developed, as well as infantry fighting vehicle platforms should be procured.

Infantry Fighting Vehicle capability is also set as one of the priorities within the framework of NATO Capability Development Goals.

Spruds is convinced that the contract for the acquisition of new and modern infantry fighting vehicles marks a new stage in the mechanization of the Latvian Army's Land Forces. At the same time, this is a great event for the Latvian military industry, which will be involved in the provision of the new combat vehicles.

"We are grateful that our ASCOD infantry fighting vehicle has been selected by the Latvian National Armed Forces as the winner of an international competition. We are looking forward to collaborating with the national defense industry to jointly strengthen Latvia’s military capabilities and to proudly deliver this great vehicle to our new customer," said Hernandez.

The ASCOD base model infantry fighting vehicle is already in service with the Spanish, Austrian, British, US and Philippine armed forces.