The Latvian armed forces have received their first Hunter infantry fighting vehicle, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities.
What happened
The Hunter, also known as Mednieks, is a combat vehicle based on the ASCOD tracked platform, equipped with NATO standard level four armor, an automatic cannon, anti-tank weapons, and a machine gun. It can carry six soldiers in full combat equipment.
A total of 84 such vehicles are expected to be delivered to the National Armed Forces by 2029. The delivery is part of a contract signed with the Spanish company GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas, which includes the involvement of local industry in the execution of the order.
The Latvian defense industry is playing a significant role in the implementation of this program, with companies such as Patria Latvia involved in the production and maintenance of the vehicles. Patria Latvia has laid the foundation stone for a new military equipment manufacturing facility in the Valmiera Industrial and Export Park, which will produce and maintain the Hunter infantry fighting vehicles.
The delivery of the Hunter vehicles is expected to significantly increase the mobility, protection, and firepower of Latvia's mechanized units, as well as facilitate cooperation with NATO allies.
