Latvia Buys ASCOD Hunter IFVs to Boost Baltic Defense

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Hunter IFV GDELS

Latvia has signed a €387 million ($387 million) contract with General Dynamics European Land Systems–Santa Bárbara Sistemas (GDELS) for the procurement of 42 ASCOD Hunter Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs). This landmark agreement, finalized on June 30, 2025, marks a significant step in modernizing Latvia’s armored forces and enhancing its role in regional security.

The ASCOD Hunter IFV represents the latest evolution of the ASCOD tracked vehicle family, a platform renowned for its battlefield reliability across European armies. Latvia’s decision to expand its fleet with this advanced variant underscores its commitment to strengthening NATO’s eastern flank amid growing regional tensions.

The Hunter IFV is engineered with modular armor, adaptable weapons systems, and cutting-edge electronic architecture. These features ensure operational flexibility in both offensive and defensive scenarios, making it a formidable asset in hybrid warfare environments. The vehicle’s compatibility with NATO interoperability standards was confirmed through extensive testing along alliance borders.

Each ASCOD Hunter IFV is equipped with:

  • NATO STANAG 4569 level four armor

  • An automatic cannon

  • Anti-tank weapons

  • Machine guns

  • Advanced battlefield situational awareness systems

The vehicle supports a three-person crew and can transport six fully equipped soldiers, offering enhanced mobility and protection in combat zones. Compared to other European IFVs like the CV90 and Puma, the Hunter strikes a balance between cost-efficiency, modularity, and proven performance. While the Puma excels in protection and the CV90 in situational awareness, the Hunter’s emphasis on localized production and NATO-wide compatibility makes it a strategic choice for mid-sized European militaries.

Beyond the hardware, the deal includes a robust industrial collaboration. At least 30% of the contract will involve Latvian companies, contributing to component procurement, final assembly, and the establishment of a domestic service center. This initiative not only boosts Latvia’s defense capabilities but also stimulates its national defense industry.

Deliveries from this contract are scheduled to begin in 2027, complementing a previous agreement signed in January 2024 for an initial batch of 42 ASCOD vehicles. Together, these contracts will bring Latvia’s total ASCOD fleet to 84 units.

Latvia’s acquisition aligns with its State Defence Concept, which prioritizes improvements in firepower, air defense, coastal protection, long-range artillery, and drone capabilities. The ASCOD Hunter IFVs are a cornerstone of this modernization effort, enhancing the maneuverability, firepower, and survivability of Latvia’s Mechanised Infantry Brigade.

Defense Minister Andris Sprūds emphasized the importance of this procurement, stating that it significantly boosts Latvia’s ability to fulfill NATO’s capability development goals and national defense tasks.

Latvia’s €387 million investment in ASCOD Hunter IFVs is more than a military upgrade—it’s a statement of intent. It reflects a strategic vision for a more integrated, resilient, and technologically advanced European defense posture. As NATO adapts to evolving threats, Latvia’s proactive approach sets a benchmark for other member states seeking scalable and interoperable armored solutions.

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