The Latvian Ministry of Defense intends to purchase ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs).

On November 11, the Ministry’s press service announced the start of negotiations with the Spanish company GDELS-Santa Barbara Sistemas on a future contract.

The negotiations are expected to be completed at the end of this year or early next year.

“Experts from the Ministry of Defense and the National Armed Forces have conducted a thorough analysis to select the combat vehicles that best meet our needs, which will increase the mobility and firepower of the ground forces,” Defense Minister Andris Spruds stated.

The procurement process for infantry fighting vehicles began in early 2023 with the selection of several potential suppliers.

In the fall of 2023, functionality tests were conducted to obtain data on the capabilities of various combat platforms in accordance with the operational needs of the Latvian Armed Forces.

Later, when deciding on a candidate for a potential purchase, criteria such as test results, platform cost, delivery time, and local industry participation were evaluated.

The Latvian Ministry of Defense noted that ASCOD-based combat vehicles are currently in service with the armed forces of Spain, Austria, and the United Kingdom, as well as light tanks in the Philippine military.

According to the National Defense Concept, the Latvian Armed Forces must develop capabilities by increasing firepower and distances that prevent the enemy from operating freely in the air, at sea, and on the ground.

As part of NATO’s goals to develop the combat capabilities of the alliance, IFVs are a priority. Their entry into service will also enhance Latvia’s combat capabilities.

ASCOD

The versatile ASCOD (Austrian Spanish Cooperative Development) platform can have various weapons systems: combat modules with 30/40 mm automatic guns of the MK 44 Bushmaster type, turrets with 105 mm or 120 mm guns, and anti-tank guided missile systems.

The platform has ballistic and mine protection, which provides a level of protection in accordance with STANAG 4569 – level 4 for ballistic protection (against armor-piercing bullets of 14.5 mm caliber) and level 4a/4b for mine protection (detonation of 10 kg of explosives).