During the signing ceremony, this new generation of the ASCOD vehicle was officially named HUNTER, positioning it as a key benchmark in Europe’s tracked armoured vehicle sector. The platform has shown outstanding performance in demanding trials along NATO’s Eastern Flank, a region of increasing strategic relevance.
The HUNTER’s selection came after a competitive evaluation process conducted within Latvia, demonstrating its operational readiness, reliability, and suitability for a wide range of combat scenarios. Its adoption is anticipated to spark interest among other European nations seeking cost-effective and interoperable solutions for their armoured forces.
The platform could serve as a foundation for a multinational acquisition framework, promoting joint development, synchronised upgrades, and coordinated deployment. Latvia’s decision signals more than a national investment—it highlights a growing momentum towards greater European defence cooperation.
“As countries look to enhance interoperability and streamline logistics, the HUNTER platform offers compelling advantages,” GDELS stated. “Shared platforms across borders can lead to economies of scale, simplified maintenance and training, and enhanced joint operational capabilities.”
GDELS also emphasised its strong commitment to localisation, which allows customer nations to improve defence capability while ensuring tangible economic returns. This strategy fosters long-term partnerships between GDELS and local industry stakeholders.
By aligning with NATO priorities—such as system maturity, fast delivery, and industrial collaboration—the HUNTER emerges as a timely and strategic choice. GDELS’s proven ability to supply versatile, modular platforms reinforces its status as a reliable defence partner across Europe.
