Patria and GDELS to start ASCOD infantry fighting vehicle assembly in Latvia

The DPL facility in Valmiera will be responsible for both the assembly and maintenance of the ASCOD IFVs. The first production units are scheduled for completion in June 2026.

The ASCOD vehicles will be equipped with NATO-standard Level 4 armour, automatic cannons, anti-tank weapons, machine guns, and advanced battlefield systems. These features will provide enhanced situational awareness, and each vehicle will support a three-person crew and carry six fully equipped soldiers.

“The assembly and servicing of ASCOD Infantry Fighting Vehicles mark a significant step in the development of our military manufacturing and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities in Latvia,” said Uģis Romanovs, Chairman of the Board at Patria Latvia and Defence Partnership Latvia. “Our experience with the production of 6×6 armoured vehicles, combined with the transfer of technology and expertise from Patria, demonstrates our ability to handle complex and precise military vehicle manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance tasks.”

Alejandro Page Hernandez, Vice President of GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas, added, “We are excited to begin this collaboration with Patria, a company that has proven its technological capabilities in managing complex defence industry solutions. The assembly and production of ASCOD components in Latvia will strengthen the security of military supply chains, improve delivery responsiveness, and contribute significantly to the growth of the local defence industry, while also supporting the broader Latvian economy.”

On 30 January 2025, the Latvian Ministry of Defence signed a €373 million contract with GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas for the delivery of 42 ASCOD IFVs. These vehicles are intended for the Latvian National Armed Forces.

The procurement process, which began in early 2023, included a pre-selection phase and functional testing of multiple IFV platforms in autumn 2023. The final decision was based on an evaluation of operational needs, costs, equipment availability, local industrial involvement, and delivery timelines.

The first ASCOD IFVs are expected to be fully operational by autumn 2026.