Latvia Unveils First Hunter Infantry Fighting Vehicle
Riga has launched its initial Hunter system at Patria Latvia’s manufacturing plant in Valmiera, marking the start of final assembly under the nearly 800-million-euro ($931.2 million) infantry fighting vehicle program.
Developed by General Dynamics European Land Systems’ (GDELS) Spanish segment Santa Bárbara Sistemas, the vehicle will primarily equip the Latvian Land Forces Mechanized Infantry Brigade “for maneuver operations where it is necessary to level the front.”
The Baltic state ordered a total of 84 platforms as part of the initiative in two separate contracts, with deliveries scheduled through 2027.
Based on the program’s industrial cooperation framework, GDELS supplies the rolling stock while Patria handles assembly, component integration, and long-term maintenance, fulfilling about 30 percent of the government’s domestic participation mandate.
“The three biggest things that our mechanized brigade will gain: they will gain muscle with which to fight, strike if necessary, and protect their country,” Latvian Defence Minister Raivis Melnis stated.
“The second, of course, is our industry… And the third, of course, is the economic benefit for the state of Latvia.”
The Hunter IFV
Modeled after General Dynamics’ ASCOD tracked platform, the Hunter features NATO-standard Level 4 armor, an automatic cannon, anti-tank guided weapons, and an auxiliary machine gun.
The three-man crew vehicle weighs up to 45 tonnes (99,208 pounds), depending on configuration, can carry 10 tonnes (22,046 pounds) additional payload, and can fit up to eight passengers.
The Hunter is equipped with a 1,100-horsepower engine, enabling a maximum speed of 70 kilometers (43 miles) per hour and a range of about 500 kilometers (311 miles).
Source: Defence Post
