> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.adriadefense.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Latvia Receives First ASCOD Hunter as Local Production Expands - URL: https://www.adriadefense.com/latvia-receives-first-ascod-hunter-as-local-production-expands/ - Published: 2026-10-08T05:00:12.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-08T05:00:11.000Z - Description: Latvia has received its first ASCOD Hunter infantry fighting vehicle as Patria expands local assembly and lifecycle support capacity in Valmiera. - Author: AdriaDefense Desk - Tags: Latvia, CEE, Baltic States, Industry, armored vehicles Latvia has received its first ASCOD Hunter infantry fighting vehicle, marking the start of deliveries under a program that will provide the Latvian National Armed Forces with 84 tracked combat vehicles by 2029. The first vehicle, locally designated Mednieks, was formally handed over on October 7 in Valmiera. On the same day, Patria began construction of a new military vehicle production facility in the city that will support assembly and lifecycle services for the Hunter fleet. The Hunter is a Latvia-specific version of the ASCOD tracked vehicle family produced by General Dynamics European Land Systems-Santa Bárbara Sistemas. Latvia selected the platform as part of the modernization of its Mechanized Infantry Brigade. The vehicle has a three-person crew and can carry six fully equipped soldiers. Latvia's configuration includes NATO-standard Level 4 armor, an automatic cannon, anti-tank weapons and a machine gun, according to the Latvian Ministry of Defence. ### Latvia ordered 84 ASCOD vehicles in two contracts Latvia initially signed a €373 million contract for 42 ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles in January 2025\. The agreement included logistics support and required at least 30 percent participation by Latvian industry. The government subsequently expanded the program. In June 2025, Latvia signed a second contract covering another 42 vehicles for €387 million, bringing the planned fleet to 84 ASCOD Hunters. The additional batch is intended to accelerate the re-equipment of another battalion within the Mechanized Infantry Brigade. Deliveries across the program are scheduled to continue through 2029\. The two contracts therefore represent €760 million in disclosed procurement value, although the scope of support included in each agreement is not identical. ### Valmiera becomes a production and sustainment hub The October 7 handover coincided with the laying of the foundation stone for a second Patria military vehicle production facility in Valmiera. Patria plans to invest nearly €8 million in the new plant, including European Union funding. Construction is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2027\. The facility is expected to produce Patria 6x6 armored vehicles while also supporting assembly and full lifecycle services for the ASCOD Hunter fleet. Local participation was built into the Hunter procurement from the beginning. Latvia required at least 30 percent domestic industrial involvement, with local companies participating in component supply, final vehicle integration and sustainment. Final integration of the first vehicle with its turret was completed in Latvia in September 2026, following earlier production and integration work in Spain. The vehicle was delivered to the armed forces less than two years after Latvia signed its initial ASCOD contract. Patria and GDELS had already agreed in 2025 to conduct ASCOD assembly and maintenance activities in Valmiera. A separate 13-year maintenance arrangement for the Hunter fleet runs through December 31, 2037\. The expansion gives Latvia an increasingly domestic capability not only to receive armored vehicles, but also to assemble, maintain and support them throughout their service life. AdriaDefense previously reported on Patria's move to take full ownership of Defence Partnership Latvia as the Valmiera site expanded from Patria 6x6 production toward ASCOD assembly and sustainment. --- ### When will Latvia receive all 84 ASCOD Hunters? Latvia plans to receive the complete fleet of 84 vehicles by 2029\. Deliveries began with the first operational handover on October 7, 2026. ### Who produces Latvia's Hunter infantry fighting vehicle? The Hunter is based on the ASCOD platform produced by General Dynamics European Land Systems-Santa Bárbara Sistemas, with Latvian industry participating in assembly, integration and lifecycle support. ### How much is Latvia spending on ASCOD Hunter vehicles? Latvia signed an initial €373 million contract for 42 vehicles in January 2025 and a €387 million contract for another 42 in June 2025\. The disclosed values of the two contracts total €760 million.