IRIA News

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Latvia has placed a second order for 42 ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) from Spanish defense firm GDELS Santa Barbara Sistemas. Announced by the Latvian Ministry of Defense, this order comes just six months after the first and is valued at $444 million.

These additional IFVs will equip a new battalion within Latvia’s Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the National Armed Forces (NBS), aiming to meet NATO capability targets and strengthen readiness for potential high-intensity conflicts on NATO’s eastern flank.

Latvian Minister of Defense Andris Spruds underlined the strategic rationale, saying, “We must continue to focus on strengthening combat capabilities, in parallel with air defense and longrange missile artillery, it is important to also strengthen the capabilities of the Mechanized Brigade of the Land Forces of the National Armed Forces.”

Spruds added, “The acquisition of additional infantry fighting vehicles will not only help us achieve the goals set by NATO, but will also significantly increase the ability of the mechanized infantry brigade to implement national defense tasks.”

This second order effectively doubles Latvia’s ASCOD fleet, bringing the total to 84 vehicles when combined with the first January 2025 contract. Deliveries for the second batch are scheduled to begin in 2027, following the initial tranche due in 2026.

The first contract includes a commitment that at least 30% of the assembly and component supply will be handled by Latvian industry, in addition to establishing a local maintenance and service center. Over 10 Latvian companies are expected to be involved, creating jobs and enhancing domestic defense manufacturing capacity.

ASCOD Infantry Fighting Vehicle

The ASCOD (Austrian Spanish Cooperation Development) Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), developed by General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), is a modern and combat-proven armored platform designed for today’s battlefield requirements. It is operated by a crew of three and can carry six fully equipped infantry personnel.

The vehicle offers strong protection, meeting NATO STANAG 4569 Level 4 standards, which ensures high resistance against ballistic threats and landmines, enhancing crew survivability in hostile environments.

In terms of firepower, the ASCOD is outfitted with a powerful autocannon, anti-tank missile systems, machine guns, and advanced situational awareness capabilities supported by integrated battlefield management systems. Its mobility is another key strength, built for excellent off-road performance and operational endurance in a wide range of terrains, making it a highly versatile and reliable asset for mechanized infantry operations.

The ASCOD platform is already fielded in countries like Austria, Spain, and in its Ajax version in the UK. Latvia’s adoption further integrates the vehicle into NATO’s mechanized capabilities.

Baltic security in focus

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Latvia has dramatically accelerated its defense modernization efforts. Sharing a border with Russia, and in a security, climate defined by heightened Russian military activity, the Baltic state has increased its defense spending above NATO’s 2% of GDP guideline and welcomed NATO and U.S. forces as part of regional deterrence efforts.

In addition to the ASCODs, Riga has also ordered 18 Archer 8×8 self-propelled artillery systems from Sweden, showcasing a coordinated effort to build a comprehensive, multi-domain deterrent capability.

NATO’s forward defense strategy

The procurement aligns seamlessly with NATO’s Eastern Flank strategy, particularly following the 2022 Madrid Summit, which called for a transition from tripwire forces to credible wartime formations capable of integrated combat operations. By investing concurrently in mechanized infantry, air defense, artillery, and training infrastructure, Latvia is reinforcing both its national defense and broader alliance capabilities.

With these ASCODs, Latvia transitions toward a robust, mechanized defense posture capable of rapid response, territorial defense, and interoperability with allied forces. As Defense Minister Spruds emphasized, “The acquisition of additional infantry fighting vehicles… will significantly increase the ability of the mechanized infantry brigade to implement national defense tasks.”

Economic and industrial impact

Beyond military impact, the deal represents a stimulus for Latvia’s domestic defense sector. By localizing 30% of production and maintenance, with at least 10 companies contributing, the agreement aims to strengthen the industrial base, improve technical expertise, and create sustainable jobs.

The arrival of the ASCODs in 2026–27 will mark a transformation for Latvia’s armed forces, progressing from light infantry to a fully mechanized, combined-arms capability. With rising regional tensions and uncertainty, Riga’s continued investment in armored, artillery, and integrated defense systems signals its serious commitment to national and NATO collective security.