The Latvian Ministry of Defence has started contract negotiations for the purchase of ASCOD Infantry Fighting Vehicles.
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Press Release, Riga, 12 November 2024: [auto-translated] The Ministry of Defence has decided to continue contract negotiations with the Spanish company ‘GDELS – Santa Bárbara Sistemas’ regarding the possible purchase of ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles in order to strengthen land defence capabilities.
“Experts from the Ministry of Defence and the National Armed Forces have conducted a thorough analysis in order to select the combat vehicles most suitable for our needs, which will increase the mobility capabilities and firepower of the Land Forces,” emphasises Defence Minister Andris Spruds.
In accordance with the adopted decision, contract negotiations with the Spanish merchant have been initiated, which could be concluded at the end of this year or at the beginning of next year. Criteria such as the results of functional tests, the price of the platforms, delivery dates and the participation of the local industry were evaluated in the decision-making process.
ASCOD base model infantry fighting vehicles are currently used by the armed forces of Spain, Austria, Great Britain, the United States and the Philippines.
It has already been reported that the procedure for the purchase of infantry fighting vehicles was started at the beginning of 2023, with the selection of several potential suppliers as part of a thorough feasibility study. In the fall of 2023, functional tests of suppliers’ infantry fighting vehicle platforms were conducted to obtain data on the operational capabilities of the platforms.
After the functional tests, the National Armed Forces conducted an in-depth evaluation of the obtained results according to the operational needs of the armed forces. Also, the costs of the platforms, the available equipment, the fulfilment of the requirements of the involvement of the local industry, the delivery dates and other aspects were evaluated.
According to the national defence concept, the armed forces must develop capabilities by increasing firepower and distances that prevent the adversary from operating freely in the air, at sea and on land. At the same time, the capabilities of air defence, coastal defence and long-range missile artillery and unmanned aerial vehicles should be continued, as well as infantry combat platforms should be introduced into the arsenal.
Also within the framework of NATO’s capability development goals, the ability of infantry fighting vehicles is put forward as one of the priorities, and their introduction in Latvia will support the fulfilment of NATO’s capability goals.
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Latvia Selects ASCOD from GDELS
Press Release, Madrid, 15 November 2024: The Latvian Ministry of Defence and General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) – Santa Bárbara Sistemas have entered contract negotiations for new tracked combat vehicles. The Latvian Ministry lately confirmed that the ASCOD from GDELS was selected after an international competition with extensive functional tests.
Alejandro Page, GDELS Vice President for Programs, commented on the decision: “This decision again demonstrates the excellence of GDELS in the field of tracked vehicles. The ASCOD is a state-of-the-art combat vehicle that fully meets the complex demands of today’s mission profiles.”
“The ASCOD will provide a significant increase in mobility, firepower and protection to the National Armed Forces of Latvia, and at the same time guarantee a considerable workshare for the domestic defence industry,” said Dr. Thomas Kauffmann, GDELS Vice President for Global Sales.
The ASCOD is already in use in different variants and configurations in the armed forces of five countries: Spain, Austria, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Philippines, with 1,200 units in service or under contract.
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