Unnamed European Country Orders Israeli UT30 MK2 Turrets for ASCOD Vehicles

An undisclosed European country has signed a contract with Israel’s Elbit Systems to supply UT30 MK2 unmanned combat modules for its ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles, the company announced.

The deal, valued at approximately $100 million, includes deliveries of the UT30 MK2 turrets to General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) facilities and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

The UT30 MK2 turret system features integrated gunner and commander sights, anti-tank guided missiles, and Level 4 armor protection.

It is designed to enhance the firepower and survivability of infantry fighting vehicles without requiring crew exposure.

The turret has a low profile and supports a range of armaments, including a 30 mm automatic cannon, a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, and anti-tank guided missiles.

It also incorporates Elbit’s Iron Fist active protection system and other defensive technologies.

The ASCOD (Austrian Spanish Cooperative Development) platform is modular and can be fitted with various weapon configurations, such as 30/40 mm MK44 Bushmaster cannons, 105 mm or 120 mm guns, and missile systems.

The vehicle is equipped with STANAG 4569 Level 4 protection, which includes defense against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds and 10 kg explosive blasts under the hull or wheels (levels 4a/4b).

In 2024, GDELS offered to manufacture up to 50 ASCOD vehicles within a year for Ukraine.

In 2023, GDELS, the Czechoslovak Group, and Ukrainian Armor also explored the possibility of licensed production in Ukraine. However, the ASCOD platform faces competition from other IFVs under consideration for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, including Sweden’s CV90—already deployed in combat—and the German KF41 Lynx, for which Rheinmetall is building a manufacturing facility in Ukraine.