General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) has reached a key milestone in its delivery of the HUNTER infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), based on the ASCOD 2 platform, to the Latvian Armed Forces. The company confirmed that a HUNTER vehicle has departed its Trubia facility and arrived at its production site in Seville, marking progress in the programme’s manufacturing and integration phase. The development underscores GDELS’ capacity to manage complex defence procurement timelines while delivering scalable and mission-ready systems aligned with long-term operational requirements. GDELS indicated that further programme milestones are imminent, including the commencement of training activities with Latvian personnel later this month. These efforts form part of the final delivery phase as Latvia prepares to induct the new IFV capability into service.
Latvia’s requirement for a modern IFV stems from its continued reliance on legacy British CVR(T) platforms, including variants such as the FV103 Spartan, FV104 Samaritan, and FV107 Scimitar. These vehicles were acquired second-hand, with initial deliveries beginning in September 2015 and the remainder fielded between 2016 and early 2020 following limited upgrades. However, the evolving threat environment—particularly following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022—has accelerated Riga’s efforts to replace the CVR(T) fleet. The platform is increasingly viewed as lacking the protection, lethality, and digital architecture required for contemporary high-intensity warfare. In parallel, Latvia has sought to support Ukraine by transferring part of its existing armoured vehicle inventory, with deliveries of CVR(T) systems confirmed in September 2024.
During the evaluation phase, the Latvian Armed Forces assessed multiple IFV candidates, including the ASCOD 2, BAE Systems’ CV90, South Korea’s K21, and Türkiye’s Otokar Tulpar. While reports emerging in early 2024 suggested that the K21 had demonstrated strong performance during trials, Latvia ultimately selected the ASCOD 2 in November 2024 as its future IFV solution. The initial procurement contract, signed in January 2025, covers 42 vehicles with an estimated value of EUR373 million, including a logistics support package. This was followed by parliamentary approval in June 2025 for a second tranche of 42 additional vehicles, bringing the total planned fleet to 84 platforms. Under current timelines, the first vehicle is scheduled for delivery in 2026, with the remaining units from the initial batch expected to be handed over in 2027. In parallel, Finnish defence company Patria has confirmed that local assembly of the vehicles will be undertaken in Latvia under licence, supporting national industrial participation and sustainment capabilities.
Configuration details released alongside the contract signature indicate that the Latvian ASCOD 2 will feature a Renk HSWL256B transmission, rubber tracks supplied by Soucy, and protection compliant with STANAG 4569 Level 4 standards. The platform will incorporate an open electronic architecture and a C4I system to enable networked operations. The vehicles will be fitted with the Elbit Systems UT30 Mk2 unmanned turret, contracted in April 2025. The turret is armed with a 30 mm Mk44 Bushmaster II autocannon and is integrated with the Iron Fist hard-kill active protection system. Provisions have also been made for the integration of anti-tank guided missiles, with the Spike LR2 identified as a candidate system, reflecting Latvia’s requirement for enhanced anti-armour capability in high-threat environments.
