Latvia MoD launches stage 2 of light 4x4 armored procurement.

Defence Ministry (MoD) of Latvia has launched the second stage of negotiated procedure for procurement of light and medium 4x4 tactical vehicles. In Stage 2, bidders selected during the first phase submitted their detailed bids and proposed vehicles for testing. Procurement committee will now verify the compliance of proposed vehicles with operational requirements of Latvian National Armed Forces.

The four candidates for the Latvian procurement of light and medium 4x4 tactical vehicles. (Picture source Army Recognition)

Latvia MoD Procurement committee selected 6 bidders for Stage 2 of the negotiated procedure. Procurement committee received 4 bids by the end of official deadline from Oy Sisu Auto (Finland) – GTP 4x4, AM General (USA) – HUMVEE, Paramount Group (South Africa) – Marauder LAV and Otokar (Turkey) – Cobra.

Light and medium high-mobility armoured four-wheel drive (4x4) tactical vehicles will significantly promote the tactical mobility of Latvian Armed Forces. Tactical mobility is a key feature of combat readiness of army units and shortage of transport platforms across units of National Armed Forces diminishes their ability to complete the identified tasks.

These vehicles will also play an important role in implementation of artillery, air defence and National Guard development projects. These vehicles have to be suitable for personnel, cargo transportation, command and control, and medical support needs. Vehicles must also be armoured and suitable for necessary weapons.

As reported earlier, defence spending will amount to €576.34 million in 2018, of which €220.27 million will be spent on developing required capabilities. Most part of the 2018 defence spending will go into capability development projects like infrastructure, air control and defence capabilities, further mechanisation of Land Force Mechanized Infantry Brigade, boosting of combat and response capabilities of National Armed Forces and the National Guard.

In 2018, Latvia’s defence spending reached 2% of the GDP for the first time ever, ensuring that Latvia now meets the requirement of NATO to spend at least 2% of GDP on defence.