Latvia signs 373 million euro procurement contract for 42 “ASCOD” infantry fighting vehicles

On Thursday, January 30, Latvian National Armaments Director Major General Andis Dilāns and the Vice President of the Spanish company “General Dynamics European Land Systems - Santa Bárbara Sistemas” Alejandro Page Hernandez signed a 373 million euro contract to procure 42 “ASCOD” infantry fighting vehicles for the Latvian National Armed Forces.

“Procurement of new and modern infantry fighting vehicles marks a new chapter in the mechanisation of the Latvian Army's Land Forces. At the same time, this is a great agreement for our national military industry, which will take part in the provision of new fighting vehicles,” said Defence Minister A. Spruds, who attended the contract signing.

“We are grateful that our “ASCOD” infantry fighting vehicle has been selected by the Latvian National Armed Forces as the winner of an international competition. We are looking forward to collaborating with the national defense industry to jointly strengthen Latvia’s military capabilities and to proudly deliver this great vehicle to our new customer,” said A. Page Hernandez, Vice President of “General Dynamics European Land Systems - Santa Bárbara Sistemas”.

Infantry combat machines come with NATO STANAG 4569 level four armor, automatic cannon, anti-tank weapons, machine gun and other state-of-the-art technologies that will ensure soldiers situational awareness on the battlefield. The infantry fighting vehicle`s crew consist of three soldiers, and it is capable of transporting and deploying six soldiers with full combat equipment.

The procedure for procuring infantry fighting vehicles was launched in early 2023, with several potential suppliers selected as part of a thorough feasibility study. Functional tests of supplier infantry fighting vehicles were conducted in autumn 2023 to obtain data on the operational capabilities of the platforms.

Following the functional tests, the National Armed Forces carried out an in-depth assessment of the results obtained in accordance with their operational needs. Platform costs, available equipment, meeting local industry engagement requirements, delivery deadlines and other aspects were also assessed.

Under the State Defence Concept, the National Armed Forces must develop capabilities by increasing fire capacity and distances that prevent an adversary from operating freely in the air, sea and ground. At the same time, the capabilities of anti-aircraft defense, coastal defense and long-range missile artillery and drones should be further developed, as well as infantry fighting vehicle platforms should be procured. Infantry Fighting Vehicle capability is also set as one of the priorities within the framework of NATO Capability Development Goals.

MoD Military Public Affairs Department
Media Relations Section
Phone: 67335393
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv