On May 30, Finland's Patria and General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) announced a collaboration to produce and assemble ASCOD Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) in Latvia, aiming to strengthen NATO's defensive posture in the Baltic region.

According to the military news site 'Army Recognition,' to commemorate the 5th anniversary of operations in Latvia and the 1st anniversary of the Defense Partnership Agreement (DPL), Patria has partnered with GDELS to initiate the production of ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles at their facility in Valmiera, Latvia. This marks a significant milestone in the European armored vehicle manufacturing industry.

The Latvian Ministry of Defense announced in late January that it would spend €373 million (approximately NT$12.9 billion) to procure 42 ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles from GDELS to advance its defense modernization goals. The collaboration between Patria and GDELS not only aims to strengthen Latvia's military capabilities and defense autonomy but also to diversify the supply chain, reducing dependency on remote suppliers and reshaping the defense industrial landscape in the Baltic Sea region while enhancing NATO's Eastern Flank readiness and defense capabilities.

The ASCOD infantry fighting vehicle, developed by GDELS, meets NATO STANAG 4569 ballistic protection standard level 4, equipped with a 30mm cannon, anti-tank missiles, and machine guns, as well as advanced electronic architecture and battlefield management systems that provide critical situational awareness and communication capabilities. In addition to the three crew members, the vehicle can carry six fully equipped soldiers, enabling the execution of advanced technology-driven infantry operations to effectively respond to new battlefield environments.