GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas has delivered the first Hunter infantry fighting vehicle to the Latvian National Armed Forces. The vehicle was officially accepted in September 2026, around a year and a half after the contract was signed.
The program calls for the delivery of 84 vehicles by 2029 and 30% participation by Latvian industry. The Hunter is based on Santa Bárbara Sistemas’ ASCOD platform, adapted to the requirements of the Latvian Armed Forces.
The first unit was designed, developed, manufactured, integrated, and tested in Spain over a 14-month period, according to the company. Final integration, validation, personnel training, field testing, and the acceptance process were subsequently carried out in Latvia.
Latvian Defense Minister Raivis Melnis said the vehicles will enhance the mobility, protection, and firepower of the country’s mechanized units. He also highlighted the domestic industry’s involvement in the program as a means of developing industrial and technological capabilities.
Most manufacturing is carried out in Spain, involving Santa Bárbara Sistemas facilities in Trubia, Asturias, and Alcalá de Guadaíra, Seville, as well as a network of Spanish companies and suppliers.
