Latvia Begins Hunter IFV Program With First Vehicle Delivery — Latvia has taken delivery of its first locally assembled Hunter tracked infantry fighting vehicle, marking the beginning of an 84-unit acquisition program expected to conclude in 2029. The delivery supports the country’s efforts to modernize its land forces and strengthen NATO’s eastern defences. General Dynamics European Land Systems–Santa Bárbara Sistemas formally transferred the vehicle in Valmiera under a procurement initiative backed by two contracts signed in 2025, collectively worth 760 million euros, or approximately $849 million. Program partner Patria has also initiated construction of a new manufacturing facility in Valmiera to support final assembly and fleet maintenance. The initiative aligns with Latvia’s requirement for at least 30 percent local industrial involvement and includes a 13-year sustainment agreement running until December 2037. Derived from the ASCOD tracked vehicle, the Hunter is equipped with NATO-standard Level 4 armour, an automatic cannon, anti-tank weapons, and a machine gun. Its weight is approximately 45 tonnes, depending on configuration, with an additional payload capacity of up to 10 tonnes. The vehicle accommodates three crew members and six fully equipped troops, while its 1,100-horsepower engine enables speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour and a range of approximately 500 kilometres.
