Following extensive trials, General Dynamics European Land Systems ASCOD has been selected to equip the National Armed Forces of Latvia. The ASCOD tracked vehicle from GDELS Santa Bárbara Sistemas was selected after an international competition with “extensive functional tests”.

“The ASCOD will provide a significant increase in mobility, firepower, and protection to the national armed forces of Latvia, and at the same time guarantee a considerable workshare for the domestic defence industry,” said Thomas Kauffmann, GDELS’ vice president for global sales.

The ASCOD is used by the armed forces of five countries: Spain, Austria, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Philippines, with 1,200 units in service or under contract.

According to Defence News, the country aims to spend around €250 million on new fighting vehicles. In response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Baltic countries are increasing defence spending.

Latvia’s defence spending is set to increase from 2.4% of GDP this year to 3% of GDP in 2027. 

In other Latvian land systems news, Finland's Patria will provide 56 additional armoured command and combat vehicles for Latvia. As part of the Joint Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme, Patria and the Latvian Ministry of Defence agreed on the manufacturing and delivery of 56 additional armoured Patria 6x6 vehicles. These vehicles will serve as command and control (C2) units. Production of the vehicles will include local industry capabilities in Latvia, including Patria’s armoured vehicle production facility in Valmiera, which it opened in May. The deliveries will begin during this year and last until 2029. The deal is worth more than €60 million.

“The new Patria 6x6 armoured command and control vehicles will significantly improve the operational capabilities of our armed forces, as well as contribute to the development of the Latvian military industry, continuing the successful cooperation between the defence sector and industry", said Latvia's Defence Minister, Andris Sprūds.

The procurement is part of the international CAVS programme, which includes Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Germany. The research and development agreement for the programme was signed at the end of 2020 and deliveries to Latvia, Finland and Sweden have  started within the first three years of the programme. The programme is open to European countries with similar equipment requirements, with the approval of other participating countries.

Within the CAVS programme, the 6x6 armoured vehicle system development is led by Patria.