Patria to Assemble ASCOD Infantry Fighting Vehicles in Latvia
Finnish defense company Patria will begin assembling and maintaining ASCOD Infantry Fighting Vehicles in Latvia through a partnership with GDELS. The first vehicles are expected in 2026.
Finnish defense equipment manufacturer Patria has announced it will begin the assembly and maintenance of ASCOD Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) in Latvia. This collaboration with GDELS-Santa Barbara Sistemas (GDELS) coincides with the fifth anniversary of Patria's operations in the country and the first anniversary of the Defence Partnership Latvia (DPL) armored vehicle production facility in Valmiera.
The DPL facility in Valmiera will handle the assembly and servicing of the ASCOD IFVs. The initial production units are scheduled for completion in June 2026. This partnership is intended to bolster Latvia's defense industry capabilities and local expertise through technology transfer from Patria.
Equipped with NATO-standard Level 4 armor, automatic cannons, anti-tank weapon systems, machine guns, and advanced battlefield technology, the ASCOD IFVs aim to enhance troop situational awareness. Each vehicle will require a three-person crew and can transport six fully equipped soldiers.
On January 30, 2025, the Latvian Ministry of Defence signed a contract with GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas for the delivery of 42 ASCOD IFVs to the Latvian National Armed Forces, valued at €373 million. The first ASCOD IFVs are anticipated to be operational by autumn 2026.