Latvia signs for ASCOD IFVs
Latvia becomes the sixth operator of the ASCOD. (Photo: GDELS)
Latvia has ordered 42 ASCOD IFVs under a €373 million (US$388 million) contract signed on 30 January, following the launch of negotiations for the deal last year which was preceded by trials of competing vehicles in the second half of 2023.
The procedure for procuring the IFVs was launched in early 2023 and several potential suppliers were selected as part of a thorough feasibility study.
Latvia’s Minister for Defence Andris Sprūds said: “[This] marks a new chapter in the mechanisation of the Latvian Army’s Land Forces and at the same time, this is a great agreement for our national military industry.”
Related Articles
Optionally crewed ASCOD variant demonstrates minefield clearance capabilities
Filipino soldiers complete training on ASCOD light tank
Latvia enters talks to buy GDELS ASCOD IFV
The ASCOD is already in use with the armed forces of Spain, Austria, the UK, the US and the Philippines, with 1,200 units in service or under contract worldwide.
The platform will be a new capability for Latvia which currently operates a limited number of tracked vehicles, with the fleet substantially made up of smaller Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) (CVR(T)).
Latvia has invested heavily in vehicles, including an order in November 2024 for additional Common Armoured Vehicle System 6x6 vehicles. Additonally, in December 2023 the country signed a €600 million deal with Diehl Defence for an IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defence system.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
Lockheed Martin awarded $2.8 billion THAAD development contract
The contract amount for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Weapon System will support its continued development over the next five years, with two options to extend for up to 10 years.
-
Rheinmetall signs $3.2 billion framework agreement for platoon systems
As part of the agreement, Rheinmetall has received an initial contract for 92 platoon systems, consisting of 68 refurbished platoon systems and 24 new systems, worth approximately €417 million (US$432 million).
-
Fourth European country opts for Euro PULS rocket artillery system as Germany signs up
When compared to the German Army’s M270 227mm (12 round) Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), Euro PULS will offer a step change increase in capability to meet the German Army’s Future Long-Range Indirect Fire System.
-
UK and US militaries advance mobile directed energy weapon systems
Recent tests have demonstrated how the UK and US armed forces have been scaling DEWs for mobile field-based operations.