Exclusive Report: What Is General Dynamics European Land Systems Hunter Infantry Fighting Vehicle Selected by Latvia.

General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) has signed a €387 million contract to deliver 42 Hunter Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) to the Latvian Ministry of Defence, marking a significant leap forward in Latvia’s efforts to modernize its ground forces. The Hunter IFV is not a completely new platform, but rather Latvia’s nationalized version of the ASCOD family of tracked armored vehicles, extensively upgraded to meet the needs of modern mechanized infantry operations. Designed for combat in high-threat environments, the Hunter combines heavy firepower, modular protection, and cutting-edge battlefield connectivity, forming the backbone of Latvia’s new armored capabilities.
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Latvia has selected the General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) Hunter Infantry Fighting Vehicle, based on the ASCOD platform, to modernize its ground forces and enhance NATO interoperability. (Picture source: GDELS)

The GDELS (General Dynamics European Land Systems) ASCOD tracked armored vehicle, from which the Hunter IFV is derived, stands for “Austrian Spanish Cooperation Development” and was jointly developed in the 1990s by Austria’s Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeug and Spain’s Santa Bárbara Sistemas, now both under GDELS. ASCOD was conceived as a versatile and modular tracked vehicle that could serve a wide array of battlefield roles—from infantry fighting and command-and-control to reconnaissance, ambulance, and direct-fire support. The chassis is combat-proven, currently in use by Spain as the Pizarro, Austria as the Ulan, and the United Kingdom under the Ajax armored reconnaissance program.

Hunter, as the Latvian configuration of the ASCOD 2 platform, brings next-generation enhancements in mobility, survivability, and lethality. It is powered by a high-output diesel engine integrated with a fully automatic transmission and hydropneumatic suspension, delivering exceptional cross-country mobility and a top speed of up to 70 km/h. The platform’s digital electronic architecture enables real-time integration with NATO-standard command, control, and communication systems, making the Hunter a fully networked combat vehicle capable of operating effectively in joint operations and multinational task forces.

The centerpiece of the Hunter IFV is the Elbit Systems UT30 Mk2 unmanned turret. This advanced turret is fitted with a 30mm Mk44 Bushmaster II automatic cannon capable of engaging both ground and low-flying aerial threats, a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, and provisions for anti-tank guided missiles. It features an integrated fire control system with day/night thermal sights, laser rangefinders, and automatic target tracking, ensuring precision engagement in complex environments. The unmanned nature of the turret also enhances crew survivability by reducing exposure to enemy fire.

Protection is a critical element of the Hunter’s design. The base ASCOD hull is built to NATO STANAG 4569 standards, offering scalable ballistic and blast protection that can be upgraded with modular armor kits depending on the threat level. The vehicle is equipped with spall liners, energy-absorbing floors, and blast-attenuating seats to protect the crew from mines and improvised explosive devices. Latvia’s configuration is expected to include advanced countermeasure systems and situational awareness aids that will further enhance survivability on the modern battlefield.

Internally, the Hunter accommodates a crew of three and transports eight fully equipped infantry soldiers, providing them with a protected and mobile platform from which to launch and support dismounted operations. The vehicle’s internal volume, digital backbone, and power systems allow for future upgrades, including potential integration of active protection systems, enhanced sensors, and drone control interfaces.

Latvia’s acquisition of the Hunter IFV is a strategic move aimed at strengthening its Mechanized Infantry Brigade and reinforcing the country’s position within NATO’s collective defense posture. Deliveries will be accompanied by a full support package, including training, spare parts, and logistics infrastructure, ensuring that the vehicles reach full operational readiness upon fielding. As a modernized variant of a field-proven combat platform, the Hunter represents a major force multiplier for Latvian defense and a clear message of deterrence along NATO’s eastern flank.