Latvia has unveiled its first Hunter infantry fighting vehicle at Patria’s local manufacturing facility in Valmiera, marking the beginning of final assembly under the country’s nearly 800-million-euro ($931.2 million) IFV acquisition program.
The Hunter vehicle was developed by General Dynamics European Land Systems through its Spanish subsidiary, Santa Bárbara Sistemas. The platform is intended to strengthen the Latvian Land Forces Mechanized Infantry Brigade, supporting maneuver operations and enhancing frontline combat capabilities.
Latvia has ordered a total of 84 Hunter platforms under two separate contracts, with deliveries scheduled to continue through 2027. Under the program’s industrial cooperation arrangement, GDELS provides the vehicle platforms, while Patria is responsible for final assembly, component integration, and long-term maintenance. The local industrial contribution is expected to account for around 30 percent of the government’s domestic participation requirement.
The Hunter IFV
Based on General Dynamics’ ASCOD tracked vehicle platform, the Hunter IFV is equipped with NATO-standard Level 4 protection, an automatic cannon, anti-tank guided weapons, and an auxiliary machine gun.
The vehicle is operated by a crew of three and can weigh up to 45 tonnes, depending on its configuration. It can accommodate up to eight personnel and carry an additional payload of up to 10 tonnes.
Powered by a 1,100-horsepower engine, the Hunter can reach a maximum speed of approximately 70 kilometers per hour and has an operational range of around 500 kilometers, providing the Latvian Armed Forces with a highly mobile and heavily protected mechanized combat platform.
