The Latvian Ministry of Defence has confirmed that it is entering contract negotiations with General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS)-Santa Bárbara Sistemas for the acquisition of new tracked combat vehicles, following a competitive international selection process. After extensive functional testing, Latvia has chosen the ASCOD (Austrian Spanish Cooperative Development) vehicle, a state-of-the-art platform known for its advanced mobility, firepower, and protection capabilities.
Alejandro Page, GDELS Vice President for Programs, commented on the decision: “This decision again demonstrates the excellence of GDELS in the field of tracked vehicles. The ASCOD is a state-of-the-art combat vehicle that fully meets the complex demands of today’s mission profiles.”
“The ASCOD will provide a significant increase in mobility, firepower and protection to the National Armed Forces of Latvia, and at the same time guarantee a considerable workshare for the domestic defence industry,” said Dr. Thomas Kauffmann, GDELS Vice President for Global Sales.
The ASCOD is already in use in different variants and configurations in the armed forces of five countries: Spain, Austria, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Philippines, with 1,200 units in service or under contract.
ASCOD is a modular vehicle design based on the successful Common Base Platform concept developed by GDELS. The ASCOD offers a large interior volume with very compact dimensions and combines superior tactical manoeuvrability with excellent mine protection and modular additional armour.
