The first Hunter infantry fighting vehicle intended for the National Armed Forces of Latvia has arrived at the Patria Latvia factory in Valmiera. The final assembly of the equipment will now begin at the facility, and the first completed vehicles are planned to be presented this autumn.
Latvia has taken another step in implementing one of the largest defense projects in recent years. The first Hunter infantry fighting vehicle has been delivered to the Patria Latvia factory in Valmiera, after which its final assembly for the needs of the National Armed Forces will begin.
The delivery took place a year after the contract was signed between the Latvian Ministry of Defense and the Spanish manufacturer GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas.
Defense Minister Raivis Melniks stated that the new vehicles will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Latvian army and increase the country's readiness to face various threats. According to him, the project is important not only for defense but also for the development of the national industry.
One of the key elements of the program has been the involvement of Latvian enterprises. The final assembly and completion of the vehicles will take place in Valmiera, and the share of local industry in the project is expected to be at least 30%.
It is important to note that this is not a one-time delivery. In total, Latvia is purchasing 84 Hunter infantry fighting vehicles, which will be used by the mechanized infantry brigade of the National Armed Forces.
Representatives of Patria Latvia emphasize that the project will allow local enterprises to gain new competencies and experience in the military industry. It also creates a foundation for further development of defense production in the country.
According to the chairman of the company's board, Uģis Romanovs, the residents of Latvia will be able to see the new vehicles as early as November this year during a military parade. Along with the Hunter IFVs, the Patria 6x6 armored personnel carriers, which are assembled in Valmiera, will also participate in the parade.
The Hunter infantry fighting vehicle has been adapted to the requirements of the Latvian army and the modern tasks of mechanized units. It is designed for transporting personnel, providing fire support, and working alongside NATO allies' equipment.
The name Hunter was chosen by the soldiers of the mechanized infantry brigade who will be using these vehicles.
The total value of the procurement is estimated at approximately 760 million euros. The first contract for 42 vehicles was signed at the beginning of last year, and later Latvia ordered another 42 units of equipment.
The project is considered one of the largest defense contracts in the country's history and one of the most significant examples of Latvian industry participation in the production of modern military equipment.
