During the meeting, Latvia, Spain and Austria signed a letter of intent on cooperation and integration in the ASCOD infantry fighting vehicle programme. Spain’s GDELS Santa Bárbara Sistemas presented the ASCOD Hunter, a version developed specifically for Latvia.
Participants also observed capability demonstrations of the ASCOD Hunter and Pizarro vehicles. The event highlighted the growing cooperation among user nations within the programme.
“Šodien mēs apliecinām, ka NATO spēka pamats ir sabiedroto vienotība un gatavība plecu pie pleca aizsargāt mūsu reģiona drošību. Pateicos partneriem par ieguldījumu ASCOD programmā, kas uzlabo Latvijas sauszemes spēku mobilitāti, aizsardzību un noturību,” uzsver A. Sprūds. He added that “Šodien parakstītā nodomu vēstule ir nozīmīgs solis ciešākai sadarbībai un spēcīgākai Eiropas aizsardzībai, un mēs ar gandarījumu raugāmies uz iespēju nākotnē šajā programmā uzņemt arī citus sabiedrotos.”
The ASCOD Hunter is the tracked platform adapted for Latvia’s requirements and upgraded to meet modern mechanised infantry needs. It delivers high firepower, modular protection and full compatibility with Latvian and NATO equipment.
Latvia chose the name Hunter following a selection by soldiers of the Mechanised Infantry Brigade who will be its primary users. The ministry states that the name reflects Latvian mythology, where the hunter symbolises a bond with nature, courage, skill and survival in all conditions.
Earlier this year, Latvia signed a contract with GDELS Santa Bárbara Sistemas for the delivery of 42 ASCOD vehicles worth 373 million euros. In June, the government approved the purchase of an additional 42 vehicles to help meet NATO capability targets and accelerate the development of the Mechanised Infantry Brigade.
The extra vehicles will cost 387 million euros, bringing the total number of ASCOD platforms ordered to 84. At least 30 per cent of the programme will involve contributions from local industry.
The National Armed Forces are scheduled to begin receiving the first ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles in 2027.
Source: Latvian Ministry of Defence.
