On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of Patria’s activities in Latvia and the first anniversary of the armoured vehicle production plant the Defence Partnership Latvia (DPL) in Valmiera, Patria and GDELS-Santa Barbara Sistemas (GDELS) have initiated a strategic collaboration for the assembly and maintenance of ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles (IFV).
The ASCODs will be equipped with level 4 armour, automatic cannons, anti-tank missile systems, machine guns and advanced technology to ensure greater awareness for soldiers. Each vehicle, operated by a crew of three people, will be able to transport six fully equipped soldiers.
The implementation of this production marks a significant step in the development of military production and maintenance capabilities in Latvia, combining the experience of 6×6 vehicle production and the transfer of technology from Patria.
GDELS-Santa Barbara Systems has expressed enthusiasm for working with Patria for the assembly of ASCOD components in Latvia, which will enhance the security of military supply chains and support the local defense industry and the Latvian economy.
In 2024, the Latvian Ministry of Defence signed a contract with GDELS for the delivery of 42 ASCOD IFVs, an order worth 373 million euros. The procurement process saw a pre-selection of suppliers and functional tests in 2023, followed by a detailed assessment of operational requirements, costs and delivery times. It is expected that the first ASCOD IFVs will become operational with the Latvian Army by the autumn of 2026.
Source and photo credit @Patria Group-GDELS Santa Bárbara Sistemas
