In a significant move to harden the defenses of NATO’s eastern flank, the Latvian National Armed Forces are gearing up to receive their first batch of advanced ASCOD “Hunter” Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) in early 2026. The delivery, confirmed by Latvian officials and General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), marks a pivotal moment in the Baltic nation’s military modernization, shifting its land capabilities from light reconnaissance to heavy-hitting, mechanized combat power.[1]
A New Predator in the Baltics
The announcement comes following a high-level meeting at the Ādaži military base on November 27, 2025, where Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds met with representatives from GDELS and allied nations.[2] While the bulk of the fleet is scheduled for delivery starting in 2027, a preliminary batch of the newly christened “Hunter” vehicles will arrive in the first half of 2026.[3] This accelerated timeline allows Latvian crews to begin the rigorous process of integration, training, and tactical doctrine development well ahead of full operational capability.
The vehicle itself, a specialized variant of the renowned Austrian-Spanish ASCOD platform, has been named “Hunter” by the very soldiers who will operate it—the Latvian Mechanized Infantry Brigade. The name is more than just a moniker; it reflects the vehicle’s role as a stalker on the modern battlefield, designed to detect, engage, and neutralize threats with precision.
Technical Superiority: Inside the ‘Hunter’
The ASCOD Hunter is a beast of a different nature compared to the Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) or CVR(T) platforms that Latvia has relied on for years. The Hunter brings a substantial leap in firepower, protection, and mobility.[1][4]
While specific classified configurations remain guarded, the Hunter is widely expected to feature a state-of-the-art Elbit Systems UT30 Mk2 unmanned turret. This remote-controlled turret keeps the crew safe within the hull while wielding a potent Mk44 Bushmaster II 30mm automatic cannon, capable of shredding light armor and engaging low-flying aerial threats. For heavier targets, the vehicle is anticipated to carry Spike anti-tank guided missiles, giving Latvian infantry the punch needed to stop main battle tanks.
Survivability has been a core focus of the procurement. The Hunter is built with modular armor packages that can be up-armored depending on the threat level. Notably, models displayed during contract signings have hinted at the inclusion of Active Protection Systems (APS), such as the Iron Fist, which can shoot down incoming anti-tank rockets before they strike the vehicle—a game-changer for survivability in high-intensity conflicts.
The Strategic Deal and Local Industry
The procurement is a massive undertaking for Latvia, involving a total of 84 vehicles. The initial contract for 42 units, valued at approximately €373 million, was signed in January 2025, followed rapidly by a second approval for another 42 vehicles in June. This aggressive acquisition strategy underscores the urgency with which Latvia views the current security environment in Eastern Europe.
Crucially, the deal is not just an import of foreign hardware; it is an investment in domestic industrial capacity. The agreement stipulates that at least 30% of the project’s value must involve Latvian industry. Local defense firm Defence Partnership Latvia (a majority-owned subsidiary of Patria) is set to play a key role in the assembly, maintenance, and sustainment of the fleet. This ensures that in a crisis, Latvia possesses the local know-how to keep its “Hunters” fighting without total reliance on external supply chains.
Fortifying the Eastern Flank
The arrival of the ASCOD Hunter represents a doctrinal shift for the Latvian Army. Moving from light, fast reconnaissance vehicles to heavier, better-protected IFVs allows Latvian forces to engage in direct combat operations alongside their NATO allies. The Hunter provides the protected mobility necessary to maneuver infantry under fire, a critical requirement for credible deterrence against potential aggression from the east.
Furthermore, Latvia has formally joined the ASCOD User Group, a coalition that includes Austria, Spain, and the United Kingdom. This alliance ensures that Latvia isn’t operating in a vacuum; instead, it will benefit from shared logistics, joint upgrade programs, and the collective experience of other NATO operators using the same platform.
Conclusion
As the first “Hunter” IFVs roll onto Latvian soil in early 2026, they will symbolize a new era of Baltic security. No longer just a “tripwire” force, the Latvian Land Forces are evolving into a mechanized heavy-hitter capable of biting back. With advanced sensors, lethal weaponry, and a connection to a broad European support network, the ASCOD Hunter is poised to become the backbone of Latvia’s defense for decades to come.
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