Latvia has signed a contract for the supply of 42 ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles

 ASCOD

The Latvian Ministry of Defense has signed a contract with the Spanish defense company GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas for the supply of 42 ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles. The contract amount is 373 million euros (about 408 million US dollars). The agreement was signed in early 2025 and provides for equipping one battalion of the motorized rifle brigade of the National Armed Forces of Latvia.

The contract includes the possibility of discussing the purchase of additional platforms for further re-equipment of other battalions in case additional funding is received. Currently, the Latvian motorized rifle brigade is equipped with CVR(T) armored vehicles purchased from the UK.

The purchased ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles are equipped with fourth-level armor according to NATO standards, an automatic cannon, anti-tank weapons, a machine gun and other advanced technologies. These vehicles can be operated by three soldiers and are capable of transporting and landing six soldiers in full combat gear.

The contract also provides for the participation of the local Latvian industry in the execution of the order in the amount of 30% of the total contract amount. This includes order fulfillment, technology transfer, and the creation of specific production facilities.

The Latvian Ministry of Defense is considering the possibility of further using the platforms already purchased to ensure greater vehicle compatibility between the battalions. In the future, if additional funding is available, other battalions may be upgraded.