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.

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.

Denmark joins the multinational Common Armored Vehicle System (CAVS) program

 

In early April 2025, Denmark officially joined the multinational Common Armored Vehicle System (CAVS) program, becoming the fifth participating country after Finland, Latvia, Sweden and Germany. The CAVS program was initiated in 2019 by Finland and Latvia with the aim of jointly developing, purchasing and managing a 6x6 armored wheeled vehicle platform based on the Patria 6x6 design. 

The Patria 6x6 is a modular, high—performance, yet simple, reliable, and affordable platform designed for tactical troop transport in a variety of environments. It has a high level of protection and mobility, which allows it to be used in various missions, from transporting soldiers to combat support. 

Denmark's joining the CAVS is an important step in modernizing its armed forces and strengthening the country's defense capability. It also highlights the growing importance of multinational cooperation within the framework of European security. Participation in the program allows Denmark to gain access to advanced technologies and reduce the cost of purchasing and maintaining armored vehicles through joint efforts. 

In addition, the CAVS program helps strengthen industrial resilience and security of supply, as most of the production and supplies are carried out using local production facilities of the participating countries. It also promotes interoperability between the armed forces of different countries, simplifying joint operations and logistical exchanges. 

The CAVS program remains open to other European countries with similar weapons requirements, subject to the approval of current participants. This provides an opportunity to further expand and strengthen European defense cooperation. 

Saab has received an order for the supply of the RBS 70 NG anti-aircraft system for Latvia in the amount of 2.1 billion Swedish kronor

 

Short-range anti-aircraft system RBS 70 NG

The Swedish company Saab has signed a framework agreement with the Latvian Ministry of Defense for the supply of the RBS 70 NG short-range anti-aircraft system. As part of this agreement, a specific order has already been received in the amount of 2.1 billion Swedish kronor (about 190 million euros). Deliveries will be carried out in the period from 2026 to 2030.

The order includes RBS 70 NG launchers, missiles, as well as training complexes for personnel training. The RBS 70 NG system is equipped with an automatic target finder and a built-in night sight, which allows it to effectively hit aerial targets, including airplanes, drones and missiles, at ranges up to 9 kilometers.

This acquisition is part of Latvia's broader efforts to strengthen its military power in the face of increasing regional threats. Joining NATO and the geopolitical situation in the Baltic region are forcing the country to modernize its armed forces, especially in the field of air defense.

Görgen Johansson, Head of Dynamics at Saab, stressed that the delivery of the RBS 70 NG system will significantly enhance the ability of the Latvian armed forces to detect and defeat aerial threats. The RBS 70 NG system is already used in the armed forces of more than 19 countries around the world, which confirms its high efficiency and reliability.