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Latvia Begins Contract Negotiations to Acquire Spanish ASCOD Infantry Fighting Vehicles.
On November 11, 2024, Latvia’s Ministry of Defense announced its intent to continue contract negotiations with the Spanish company GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas for the acquisition of ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles aimed at strengthening the country’s military capabilities. This move is part of a broader initiative to enhance the mobility and firepower of Latvia’s land forces, according to Defense Minister Andris Sprūds.
ASCOD vehicles are already in service with several armed forces worldwide, including Spain, Austria, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Philippines (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The ASCOD is a next-generation tracked armored vehicle, designed in a joint effort between Spain’s Santa Bárbara Sistemas and Austria’s Steyr, both now part of General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS). Adapted for modern missions, the ASCOD stands out for its mobility, reliability, and protection, with a modular design allowing configurations such as the Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) and Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). It is built to meet challenging terrain requirements, with a top speed of 70 km/h and a range of 500 km, powered by either a 600 kW MTU V-8 engine or an 810 kW SCANIA V-8 engine, paired with a Renk automatic transmission, providing enhanced maneuverability and stability through its torsion bar suspension system and dual rubber wheels.
For combat, the ASCOD can be equipped with various weapon configurations: the APC version includes a remote weapon station with a 12.7 mm machine gun, while the IFV variant can be outfitted with a turret featuring a 30 or 40 mm cannon and anti-tank missile launchers. Designed for high protection, the ASCOD is built with modular steel armor that can achieve STANAG 4569 level 6, capable of withstanding mine explosions and RPG attacks. The vehicle also integrates active and passive protection systems, 360° situational awareness technology, and NRBC (Nuclear, Radiological, Biological, Chemical) detection and defense systems, providing maximum security for the crew in diverse combat environments.
According to the ministry’s statement, negotiations with the Spanish manufacturer are ongoing, with an agreement anticipated by the end of this year or early next year. This capacity-building initiative follows a detailed assessment by Ministry of Defense and National Armed Forces experts to determine the most suitable vehicle model for Latvia’s military needs. This assessment covered the operational capabilities of various platforms, cost, available equipment, local industry integration potential, and delivery timelines.
ASCOD vehicles are already in service with several armed forces worldwide, including Spain, Austria, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Philippines. Originally developed in the 1990s by Spain and Austria, these vehicles entered service in 2002 and today include the PIZARRO model for Spain, ULAN for Austria, and AJAX for the United Kingdom. Their modular design offers adaptability and scalability, making them versatile for current and future operational theaters, as noted by the manufacturer.
In Latvia, the acquisition process began in early 2023, with a feasibility study that involved pre-selecting several potential suppliers. Functional tests were conducted in the fall of 2023 to evaluate the operational capacities of competing platforms. This step allowed the National Armed Forces to perform a detailed review of the results, considering operational requirements and local industry demands. While specific details on the number of vehicles or costs have yet to be disclosed, Latvia appears committed to prioritizing this acquisition to meet its NATO capability development goals.
The modernization of the Latvian army aligns closely with NATO’s capability development objectives, in which introducing infantry fighting vehicles is a priority. By adding ASCOD vehicles to its arsenal, Latvia aims to meet NATO’s requirements, thus reinforcing its commitment to collective security.
In 2021, GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas previously signed a contract to supply Latvia with the M3 amphibious bridge and ferry system via a partnership with the United States, demonstrating a cooperative relationship that may expedite the current negotiations for the ASCOD vehicles. This close cooperation could help ensure shorter delivery times and address Latvia’s specific defense needs.