GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas hands over first MEDNIEKS (HUNTER) infantry fighting vehicle to the Latvian National Armed Forces.
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Press Release, Riga, 07 October 2026: One year and a half since the start of the programme, GDELS’ Spanish entity Santa Bárbara Sistemas officially handed over the first Latvian-assembled HUNTER infantry fighting vehicle to the Latvian National Armed Forces during a ceremonial event. The contract concluded between GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas, and the Latvian Ministry of Defense provides for a total of 84 such combat vehicles to Latvia by 2029, with at least 30% local industrial participation in the execution of the programme.
The HUNTER infantry fighting vehicle is the last generation of the ASCOD tracked platform specially designed to meet Latvia’s requirements and operational needs. HUNTER was developed to provide significant firepower, modular protection and interoperability with the equipment of the Latvian National Armed Forces and NATO Allies, while meeting the requirements of modern mechanised infantry operations. HUNTER’s technical capabilities increase survivability, mobility and operational effectiveness, providing long-term support to the Latvian National Armed Forces.
“The delivery of infantry fighting vehicles is a significant step toward strengthening Latvia’s defence capabilities. They will substantially increase the mobility, protection, and firepower of our mechanised units, as well as promote cooperation between the National Armed Forces and NATO allies. It is particularly important that Latvia’s defence industry is actively involved in the implementation of this programme: we are not only acquiring modern equipment but also developing the country’s domestic industrial and technological capabilities. This demonstrates that Latvia is capable of carrying out complex projects in a short period of time and investing purposefully in its national security,” noted Defense Minister Raivis Melnis. The formal handover of the first HUNTER infantry fighting vehicle marks a major milestone in a programme launched in early 2025. In only 14 months, GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas successfully designed, developed, manufactured, integrated and tested the first vehicle platform adapted to Latvia’s requirements, demonstrating an outstanding combination of speed, engineering excellence and execution capability.
Following the unveiling and delivery of the platform in April 2026, the programme entered an intensive integration and validation phase in Latvia. Activities included turret integration, system verification and validation, training of Latvian military personnel, on-site tests with the customer and the formal acceptance process. The vehicle was formally accepted by the Latvian National Armed Forces in September 2026, closely a year and a half since the signature of the contract, highlighting the programme’s ability to deliver complex defence capabilities within exceptionally demanding timelines.
Alejandro Page, CEO of GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas, said: “The handover of the first HUNTER is the result of a joint effort by GDELS-SBS, our partners in Latvia’s defence industry, the Latvian Ministry of Defense and the Latvian National Armed Forces. Beyond strengthening Latvia’s defence capabilities, the programme is also an example of the development of local industrial expertise and reinforces the country’s defence technological and industrial base. It also demonstrates how closer European defence and industrial cooperation can deliver capabilities faster, while strengthening national industries and collective security. This achievement highlights the value of close cooperation, industrial agility and innovation.”
The assembly and full lifecycle support of the HUNTER infantry fighting vehicles intended for Latvia are already being carried out in cooperation with companies from Latvia’s defence industry and through a strategic partnership with Patria Latvia. This not only demonstrates GDELS’ long-term commitment and presence in Latvia but also creates a foundation for future capability development and for pursuing new innovative defence solutions together with companies from Latvia’s industrial ecosystem and the Latvian National Armed Forces.
One example is the ongoing testing and integration of an innovative Counter-UAS concept into HUNTER’s capabilities, covering threat identification, detection and interception. This demonstrates how a combat vehicle can evolve from a platform that itself requires protection against airborne threats into an active element of defence.
HUNTER’s open and modular architecture enables new technologies to be integrated rapidly, allowing the Armed Forces to adapt to an evolving battlefield environment without major platform redesign or lengthy development programmes. This reflects a commitment to continuous capability evolution throughout the vehicle lifecycle.
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