“We must continue to focus on strengthening our combat capabilities – alongside air defence and long-range rocket artillery, it is also crucial to enhance the capabilities of the National Armed Forces’ Land Forces Mechanised Brigade,” said Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds. “The additional purchase of infantry fighting vehicles will not only help us meet NATO’s targets, but also significantly increase the brigade’s ability to carry out national defence tasks,” he added.
The IFVs will be procured from Spanish company GDELS–Santa Bárbara Sistemas, with a total contract value of €387 million. Deliveries of these additional vehicles to the National Armed Forces are scheduled to begin in 2027.
In total, Latvia will receive 84 ASCOD platforms as a result of both the new and previously signed contracts. The initial agreement, signed in January 2024, covered the delivery of 42 ASCOD vehicles and included a commitment for at least 30% local industry involvement in fulfilling the order.
The first vehicles from the initial contract are expected to arrive in 2026, with at least ten Latvian companies participating in the supply process. Local industry contributions will include a wide range of services, from component procurement to final assembly of the platforms and the establishment of a service centre in Latvia.
Source: Latvian Ministry of Defence.
