Foto: BB.LV / БМП Хантер
By 2029, the National Armed Forces will receive a total of 84 such infantry fighting vehicles. "It is especially important that the Latvian defense industry is actively involved in the implementation of this program: we are not only acquiring modern equipment but also developing our own industrial and technological capabilities in the country," said Minister of Defense Raivis Melniks. Hunter is an infantry fighting vehicle based on the ASCOD tracked platform. It has been significantly upgraded to meet modern requirements for mechanized infantry operations and possesses high firepower, modular protection, and compatibility with the equipment of the National Armed Forces and NATO allies. The vehicle is equipped with level four armor according to NATO standards, an automatic cannon, anti-tank weapons, and a machine gun. One vehicle can transport six soldiers in full combat gear. The name Hunter, or Mednieks, was chosen by the soldiers of the Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Land Forces — the main future users of this equipment. In January last year, the Ministry of Defense signed a contract with the Spanish company GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas for the acquisition of 42 infantry fighting vehicles. The contract stipulates the involvement of the Latvian industry in at least 30% of the order volume. In June of the same year, the ministry ordered another 42 vehicles. The additional batch will cost 387 million euros, while the initial order will cost 373 million euros. Thus, the total cost of the two orders amounts to 760 million euros. The project is planned for 2025–2029 and involves the acquisition and implementation of new infantry fighting vehicles in the National Armed Forces. In September 2025, a subcontract for the maintenance of Hunter vehicles was also signed, providing for the expanded involvement of the Latvian industry to enhance supply reliability. The contract is valid for 13 years — until December 31, 2037.
