Patria Plc to Assemble ASCOD IFVs in Latvia

On May 30, the Finnish company announced on its website that ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) would be assembled at Patria’s factory in Latvia.

This localization of production is part of a strategic partnership with GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas S.A. (GDELS).

The assembly and maintenance of the ASCOD IFVs will take place at Patria’s Defence Partnership Latvia (DPL) armored vehicle manufacturing plant in Valmiera, which was opened in May last year.

The first tracked infantry fighting vehicles are expected to roll off the assembly line in June 2026.

Accordingly, on 30 January 2025, the Latvian Ministry of Defence signed a contract with GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas S.A. for the delivery of 42 ASCOD IFVs for the Latvian National Armed Forces, valued at €373 million.

The procurement process for these vehicles began in early 2023, involving a comprehensive pre-selection phase to identify potential suppliers.

In the autumn of 2023, functional testing of various IFV platforms was conducted to assess their operational capabilities. Following these tests, the National Armed Forces carried out a detailed evaluation, considering operational needs, cost, available equipment, local industry involvement, delivery schedules, and other key factors. The first ASCOD IFVs are expected to be operational by autumn 2026.

According to the national defense concept, the Latvian National Armed Forces are to enhance their capabilities by increasing firepower and extending the ranges that hinder the enemy’s freedom of movement in the air, at sea, and on land.

The Latvian Ministry of Defence stated that the ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles would be equipped with an automatic cannon, anti-tank guided missiles, a machine gun, and other advanced technologies that will enable soldiers to maintain battlefield awareness.

The IFV’s crew consists of three personnel. The vehicle can transport and deploy six fully equipped soldiers.

ASCOD features ballistic and mine protection that meets the standards of STANAG 4569 Level 4 ballistic protection (against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds) and Level 4a/4b mine protection (against a 10 kg explosive blast).