Latvia receives first Hunter infantry fighting vehicle

The Latvian Armed Forces have received the first Hunter infantry fighting vehicle, based on the ASCOD platform developed by General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS). The delivery ceremony was attended by Latvian Defense Minister Raivis Melnis.

Latvia has ordered a total of 84 Hunter vehicles through two contracts worth approximately €800 million. The Ministry of Defense aims to complete all deliveries by 2029. These new vehicles, known as ‘Mednieks’ in Latvian, are intended to gradually replace the British-made CVR(T) tracked armored vehicles used by the country over the last decade.

Produced by GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas in Spain and adapted to Latvian requirements, the vehicle features NATO Level 4 armor protection. It is equipped with an automatic cannon, anti-tank missiles, and a machine gun mounted on an Elbit Systems UT30 Mk2 unmanned turret. The vehicle is powered by a 1,100 hp engine, allowing for a top speed of 70 km/h and a range of nearly 500 km. While GDELS provides the hulls and major components, final assembly is conducted in Latvia through Defence Partnership Latvia, a joint venture between Patria Latvia and Unitruck.