Alejandro Page, GDELS Vice President for Programs, praised the selection, stating: “This decision again demonstrates the excellence of GDELS in the field of tracked vehicles. The ASCOD is a state-of-the-art combat vehicle that fully meets the complex demands of today’s mission profiles.” The vehicle’s advanced design and capabilities align with Latvia’s modern operational requirements.
The ASCOD is renowned for its modularity and versatility, enabling it to be tailored to diverse mission roles while maintaining a unified platform. Equipped with an open architecture system, it ensures interoperability with NATO systems and supports a range of armaments, including turrets from 25mm to 120mm calibre and Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs). This flexibility reduces costs and complexity while offering high customisation for specific needs.
Dr. Thomas Kauffmann, GDELS Vice President for Global Sales, highlighted the benefits of the acquisition, noting: “The ASCOD will provide a significant increase in mobility, firepower and protection to the National Armed Forces of Latvia, and at the same time guarantee a considerable workshare for the domestic defence industry.” This partnership is expected to strengthen Latvia’s defence infrastructure and support local industrial growth.
Currently in use by the armed forces of Spain, Austria, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Philippines, the ASCOD has proven its effectiveness with 1,200 units in service or under contract. Its robust Common Base Platform design offers exceptional tactical manoeuvrability, superior mine protection, and modular armour options, ensuring it remains adaptable to both current and future combat scenarios.
Source: General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS).
