Latvia to Acquire Ascod IFVs in €250M Defense Upgrade

The Latvian Ministry of Defence has selected the Ascod infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) for its armed forces, with procurement negotiations expected to conclude by the end of this year or early next year. Latvia to Acquire Ascod IFVs in €250M Defense Upgrade, this selection marks a significant advancement in Latvia’s defense strategy, aimed at strengthening the operational capacities of the Baltic state’s military.

Defense Minister’s Statement on Ascod Vehicle Selection

Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds stated that the tracked Ascod vehicle would provide enhanced mobility, protection, and firepower. “Experts from the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces have conducted a thorough analysis to select the combat vehicles that are most suitable for our needs,” Sprūds said.

Procurement Plans and Budget

While the number of vehicles and contract value remain undisclosed, a Defense Ministry spokesperson told Defense News that Latvia aims to spend approximately €250 million (US$265 million) on the procurement of new fighting vehicles. “Latvia’s Ministry of Defence is planning to purchase new infantry fighting vehicles to increase the mobility, protection level, and firepower of the Land Forces,” the spokesperson said.

Additional Military Acquisitions

The Latvian Ministry of Defence is advancing other acquisitions as well, such as wheeled self-propelled howitzers, to further augment the military’s operational effectiveness. GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas, a Spanish company and part of General Dynamics European Land Systems, manufactures the Ascod vehicle, which is already in service with forces in Spain, Austria, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Philippines.

About ASCOD IFV

The ASCOD (Austrian Spanish Cooperation Development) is an armoured fighting vehicle family developed through collaboration between Austria’s Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG and Spain’s General Dynamics Santa Bárbara Sistemas, both now under General Dynamics. Initially created to replace older vehicles in the Austrian and Spanish armies, ASCOD includes a versatile range of configurations such as the LT 105 light tank, missile launchers, mortar carriers, and an infantry fighting vehicle (AIFV) model. Known as “Pizarro” in Spain and “Ulan” in Austria, the ASCOD was designed with modular adaptability, allowing it to support various operational needs, from command and control to ambulance functions. First prototypes emerged in the early 1990s, with full production following in 1996, elevating Austrian and Spanish armored capabilities significantly. The ASCOD 2, an advanced version, was later adopted by the British Army under the name Ajax, enhancing its deployment versatility.