Latvia doubles European ASCOD vehicle fleet to strengthen Eastern border with Russia.

According to information published by the Latvian Ministry of Defence on June 17, 2025, the Latvian Cabinet has approved the procurement of an additional 42 ASCOD-2 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) from General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) Santa Bárbara Sistemas. This new acquisition doubles Latvia’s total ASCOD order to 84 units. The operation is at an estimated cost of €387 million. Deliveries for the first tranche of 42 vehicles, contracted in January 2025, will begin in 2026, while the newly ordered batch is scheduled for delivery starting in 2027. Approximately 30% of the production will be localized within Latvia.
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The ASCOD-2's armament options include a fully stabilized 30 mm or 35 mm automatic cannon mounted on a remote weapon station or manned turret, integrated with a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun. (Picture source: Latvian MoD)

In a major boost to domestic defense manufacturing, Patria’s Defence Partnership Latvia facility in Valmiera has initiated assembly of the ASCOD platforms under a strategic partnership with GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas. The rollout of the first Latvian-assembled ASCOD IFVs is expected by June 2026. This collaboration significantly strengthens Latvia’s ability to maintain, assemble, and eventually manufacture advanced armored platforms domestically, enhancing sovereign industrial resilience.

The ASCOD-2 (Austrian Spanish Cooperative Development) is a state-of-the-art tracked infantry fighting vehicle platform tailored for high mobility, modularity, and protection in multi-domain operations. Built on a flexible chassis capable of supporting multiple variants, the ASCOD-2 in its IFV configuration features a full combat weight of up to 35 tons and can carry a three-person crew along with up to eight dismounts. It is powered by a high-performance MTU 8V 199 TE20 diesel engine delivering 720 horsepower, paired with a Renk HSWL 256B automatic transmission. This drivetrain ensures a top road speed of approximately 70 km/h and a cruising range exceeding 500 kilometers, allowing extended operational endurance across varied terrain.

Armor protection meets NATO STANAG 4569 Level 4 standards, offering all-round defense against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds, 155 mm artillery shell splinters, and improvised explosive devices. The vehicle incorporates a modular armor package allowing future upgrades, including active protection systems. Armament options include a fully stabilized 30 mm or 35 mm automatic cannon mounted on a remote weapon station or manned turret, integrated with a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun. The ASCOD-2 can also be fitted with anti-tank guided missile launchers such as Spike LR or Javelin, expanding its capability to engage both armored vehicles and fortified positions. Inside, the vehicle features advanced battlefield management systems and a digital architecture supporting C4ISR interoperability, thermal imaging, laser range-finding, and GPS-based navigation. These systems enable seamless coordination with allied units and significantly enhance situational awareness and target acquisition in complex battle scenarios.

This acquisition holds major strategic importance for the Latvian Armed Forces, given the country’s critical geopolitical location on NATO’s northeastern flank, sharing borders with Russia and Belarus. Amid rising tensions in Eastern Europe and the continued destabilization caused by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, Latvia is accelerating efforts to modernize its ground combat forces to deter potential threats and reinforce NATO’s forward defense posture. The integration of ASCOD-2 IFVs will significantly enhance the firepower, mobility, and survivability of Latvia’s mechanized infantry formations, particularly as the vehicles are slated to equip a second operational battalion within the Land Forces. The tracked configuration ensures high terrain mobility under various weather conditions, crucial for defensive operations across Latvia’s forests, wetlands, and rugged border zones.

By fielding the ASCOD-2, Latvia not only improves its tactical capabilities but also deepens its defense cooperation with key European industry partners. This step underlines a broader commitment to collective defense and contributes to regional stability through credible deterrence and operational readiness. The localized production component, with Patria leading assembly efforts in Valmiera, also reinforces Latvia’s strategic objective of developing a sustainable and sovereign defense industrial base capable of supporting long-term military preparedness and technological advancement.