Latvia has signed a contract for the supply of 42 HUNTER infantry fighting vehicles worth €387 million, strengthening cooperation with GDELS

 The Latvian Ministry of Defense has signed a contract with General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) for the supply of 42 additional HUNTER infantry fighting vehicles, the latest version of the ASCOD platform. The total value of the agreement is €387 million ($453 million), including VAT.

Key points of the contract:

- The HUNTER machine is recognized as a key element of Latvia's defense strategy.

- The infantry fighting vehicle will provide the National Armed Forces with advanced combat capabilities and high mobility.

- The contract strengthens Latvia's partnership with GDELS and contributes to the modernization of the country's ground forces.

- The supply of new vehicles will significantly increase the combat capability and operational readiness of the Latvian army.

In the face of growing challenges in the region, expanding the fleet of modern infantry fighting vehicles is an important step to ensure national security and support collective defense within the framework of NATO. HUNTER combines modern technologies of protection, firepower and mobility, which makes it an effective tool in modern combat conditions.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia approved the purchase of 42 ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles

ASCOD

The Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia has decided to approve the proposal of the Ministry of Defense to purchase an additional 42 ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles. This step is aimed at strengthening the country's defense capability and modernizing the ground forces.

Features of ASCOD Combat Vehicles

- Origin and characteristics: ASCOD is a modern infantry fighting vehicle developed jointly by Austria and Spain. The machine is characterized by high mobility, crew protection and the ability to equip various types of weapons.

- Multifunctional: ASCOD can be used for infantry transportation, fire support, and reconnaissance missions.

- NATO compatibility: The vehicles fully comply with NATO standards, which is important for the integration of Latvian troops into the collective defense.

The purchase of additional infantry fighting vehicles will allow Latvia to increase the combat readiness and efficiency of its armed forces, as well as strengthen its position in the framework of regional security against the background of growing challenges in Eastern Europe.

GDELS presents a new self-propelled artillery system at FEINDEF 2025

Company General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) preparing to present its new self-propelled artillery system at the upcoming International Defense and Security Exhibition FEINDEF 2025, which will be held in Madrid. This system combines advanced technologies of modularity, mobility and automation, offering a modern solution for fire support on the battlefield.

The novelty is based on the well-proven ASCOD tracked chassis, which has been adapted and integrated with a fully automated 155 mm/52 caliber Artillery Module (AGM). This combination was made possible by GDELS' collaboration with the KMW + Nexter Defense Systems (KNDS) concern.

The central element of the system is the AGM tower, based on the design of the legendary German self-propelled gun PzH 2000, but modified to meet new combat requirements. It is characterized by a high degree of automation of loading, fire control and reloading, which significantly increases the rate of fire and reduces the reaction time to a change in the situation.

One of the key advantages of the new platform is its ** mobility and lower weight compared to traditional heavy artillery systems**. This makes it particularly attractive for rapidly changing theaters of war, where efficiency and maneuverability are important.

The creation of this system marks an important step in the development of modular solutions in ground-based weapons, allowing the armies of European countries to flexibly adapt their forces to modern challenges.

Elbit Systems has received a major contract for the supply of UT30 MK2 unmanned tower systems for ASCOD

 

Elbit Systems has announced a contract worth about $100 million with General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) for the supply of UT30 MK2 unmanned tower systems. These systems will be installed on ASCOD armored combat vehicles, which will enter service with one of the European NATO countries. According to the company's news release published at the end of April, the contract runs until the end of 2027.

The UT30 MK2 systems will be delivered to an unspecified European country that is a member of NATO. The contract includes not only the supply of equipment, but also industrial cooperation with local companies. This will strengthen regional supply chains, as well as create opportunities for maintenance and support of systems directly in the recipient country.

Elbit Systems emphasized that the deal is aimed at increasing the defense capability of the customer country and strengthening its position within the alliance. Industrial cooperation will be an important step for the development of the local defense industry and ensuring the long-term operation of the supplied equipment.

The UT30 MK2 is a modern low—profile uninhabited turret designed to enhance the firepower and survivability of armored vehicles. Due to its design, the system minimizes risks to the crew, while maintaining high efficiency in combat conditions. The turret is equipped with automated fire control systems, which makes it an ideal solution for modern combat vehicles such as ASCOD.

The UT30 MK2 unmanned turret is capable of carrying various types of weapons, including 30 mm automatic cannons, anti-tank missiles and machine guns. Its modular design provides flexibility in choosing configurations for specific tasks, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of missions.

The delivery of the UT30 MK2 to ASCOD demonstrates the commitment of NATO countries to modernize their armed forces in the face of growing threats. Modern uninhabited turret systems can significantly increase the combat capability of armored vehicles, while maintaining the safety of crews. This is especially important in the context of modern conflicts, where technology plays a key role.

In addition, industrial cooperation between Elbit Systems and local companies contributes to the development of the defense industry in the region. This creates new jobs and enhances the technological independence of the customer country.

The successful implementation of the contract can become the basis for further cooperation between Elbit Systems and the NATO countries. Unmanned turret systems such as the UT30 MK2 are becoming the standard for modern armored vehicles, and their implementation will help strengthen the alliance's defense capabilities as a whole.

The use of advanced technologies such as the UT30 MK2 is an important step in adapting armies to modern challenges. It also confirms the leading role of Elbit Systems in the development of innovative solutions for the armed forces.

Elbit Systems supplies unmanned tower systems for ASCOD

 The Israeli company Elbit Systems has received a contract worth about $100 million for the supply of its UT30 MK2 unmanned tower systems to General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS).

The systems will be integrated into ASCOD armored combat vehicles for the European member of NATO.

The deal announced by the company will be implemented by the end of 2027 and includes the supply of UT30 MK2 turrets equipped with gunner and commander sights, anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) and Level 4 ballistic protection.

In a statement, Elbit said, that the UT30 MK2 enhances combat capabilities without compromising the safety of dismounted troops. The fully unmanned turret is designed for remote control, allowing armored personnel carriers to hit targets while keeping soldiers safe inside the vehicle.

ASCOD

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.