Latvia Receives First Mednieks Infantry Fighting Vehicle Based on ASCOD

The Latvian Armed Forces have received the first Mednieks infantry fighting vehicle, modified to meet Latvia’s requirements.

The Latvian Ministry of Defense reported that the armored vehicle was delivered to the Mechanized Brigade of the Latvian Land Forces.

By 2029, the Latvian Army is to receive a total of 84 such infantry fighting vehicles.

The Latvian Ministry of Defense signed a contract with Spanish company GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas in January last year for the first batch of 42 IFVs. In June of the same year, the ministry exercised the option and ordered another 42 vehicles.

The name Mednieks translates as “Hunter.” The brigade’s service members chose it based on Latvian mythology as a symbol of courage, survival skills, and a connection with nature.

Latvian companies are also involved in fulfilling the contract and maintaining the vehicles.

Mednieks IFV

The Mednieks IFV is based on the ASCOD tracked platform, which was substantially modified for Latvia.
The hull is protected by armor that meets Level 4 of STANAG 4569. It protects 14.5 mm armor-piercing ammunition and mine blasts.

The vehicle is equipped with an Elbit Systems MT30 remotely controlled weapon station fitted with a 30 mm Bushmaster II automatic cannon.

To engage heavily armored vehicles and tanks, the weapon station carries a launcher for Spike-LR2 anti-tank guided missiles, while auxiliary armament includes a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun.

Earlier, the first upgraded Ulan infantry fighting vehicles, built on the same ASCOD platform, were delivered to units of the Austrian Armed Forces.

The armored vehicle modernization program aims to extend the vehicles’ service life and adapt them to modern combat requirements.