While the company confirmed the buyer is a European NATO country, the specific nation has not been disclosed. The contract is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027 and includes the integration of advanced weapon and protection systems.
The UT30 MK2 is a remote-controlled turret designed to enhance the firepower of armoured personnel carriers without compromising crew safety. Its modular and open-architecture design allows for either unmanned or manned configurations and the integration of various weapon systems and sensors.
Each turret will be equipped with a 30mm main cannon, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), and a suite of electro-optic systems. Additional features include the Iron Fist Active Protection System and Level 4 ballistic protection, providing enhanced survivability on the battlefield.
Production will involve cooperation with local industries in the purchasing country, contributing to a secure supply chain and local maintenance capabilities. This approach supports operational readiness and promotes industrial collaboration within NATO’s defence sector.
Yehuda (Udi) Vered, General Manager of Elbit Systems Land, said: “We are very proud to have been selected by an additional NATO European user following the very successful firing tests evaluation on the ASCOD platform.” He added: “We value our collaboration with GDELS and are honoured to collaborate in this project with our advanced turret solutions, which enhance firepower, protection, and operational effectiveness.”
As Defence Industry Europer reported, GDELS recently signed a EUR 370 million contract to supply 42 ASCOD vehicles to the Latvian Ministry of Defence. The agreement, finalised in January 2025, forms part of Latvia’s military modernisation programme, although it has not been confirmed whether this contract is linked to the turret order placed with Elbit Systems.
The ASCOD platform, used by multiple NATO countries, features NATO STANAG 4569 level four protection and is designed to accommodate various weapon and sensor systems. With over 1,100 units in service or on order, the ASCOD family has become a core component of modern tracked infantry fighting vehicle fleets in Europe.
