On Wednesday, October 7, a solemn ceremony was held at the Valmiera Industrial and Export Park to lay the foundation stone for the new “Patria Latvia” military equipment production facility, while “General Dynamics European Land Systems” (GDELS) – “Santa Bárbara Sistemas” officially handed over the first “Hunter” infantry fighting vehicle to the Latvian National Armed Forces (NAF).
The new “Patria Latvia” facility will be the second production plant of its kind in Valmiera alongside the “Defence Partnership Latvia” factory. The new facility will manufacture Patria 6×6 armored personnel carriers and GDELS “Hunter” infantry fighting vehicles, provide their full life-cycle support, and implement other defence sector projects. Total “Patria” investments in the new production plant project reach nearly €8 million, including European Union funding (project No. 5.1.1.1/3/26/A/008). Construction of the facility is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2027.
“The new production facility is a significant next step in the development of the Latvian defence industry. It will allow us not only to expand the production of Patria 6×6 armored personnel carriers, but also to ensure the assembly and full life-cycle support of GDELS ‘Hunter’ infantry fighting vehicles in Latvia. By building such industrial capabilities in Latvia and involving local companies, we strengthen security of supply, develop technological competencies, and ensure that the support required by the National Armed Forces is available right here in Latvia,” states Uģis Romanovs, Vice President of Patria for New Market Ventures and CEO of “Patria Latvia” and “Defence Partnership Latvia”.
“When we began developing this territory for military manufacturing, it was a new and challenging path for the municipality. Today, we see that it was a correct and visionary decision – in the current geopolitical situation, security and strengthening state defence capabilities are our highest priority. I am truly proud that Valmiera is becoming a strong hub for the defence industry and high-added-value manufacturing, where international industry leaders are expanding their presence. Our goal is to provide the best conditions for business and investment, which is why the state-supported project to build a military railway ramp right next to the facility, scheduled for completion next year, is particularly important. It will significantly facilitate logistics and equipment transport. Valmiera Municipality has been and will remain a reliable partner to investors and the state in implementing new, ambitious projects,” emphasizes Jānis Baiks, Chairman of Valmiera Municipality Council.
Simultaneously with the laying of the foundation stone, a major milestone in strengthening state defence capabilities was marked as “GDELS” handed over the first “Hunter” infantry fighting vehicle assembled in Latvia to the NAF. The contract between “GDELS” – “Santa Bárbara Sistemas” and the Ministry of Defence stipulates the delivery of a total of 84 such fighting vehicles to Latvia by 2029, ensuring at least 30% local industry involvement.
“Hunter” is the latest generation ASCOD tracked platform, specially developed according to Latvia’s requirements and operational needs, providing high firepower, modular protection, and interoperability with NATO equipment. The first vehicle was handed over for official NAF use less than a year and a half after signing the contract. Currently, in cooperation with the Latvian defence industry and “Patria Latvia”, testing and integration of an innovative Counter-UAS (anti-drone) concept on the “Hunter” platform is also underway.
“The delivery of infantry fighting vehicles is a significant step in strengthening Latvia’s defence capabilities. They will significantly increase the mobility, protection, and firepower of our mechanized units, as well as foster cooperation between the National Armed Forces and NATO allies. It is particularly important that the Latvian defence industry is actively involved in the implementation of this program: we are not only purchasing modern equipment, but also developing the country’s local industrial and technological capabilities. This is proof that Latvia is capable of delivering complex projects in a short time and purposefully investing in our nation’s security,” points out Minister of Defence Raivis Melnis.
“The delivery of the first HUNTER is the result of joint work by GDELS-SBS, our Latvian defence industry partners, the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia, and the Latvian National Armed Forces. In addition to strengthening Latvia’s defence capabilities, the program is also an example of developing local industrial competence and strengthens the country’s defence technological and industrial base. It also demonstrates how closer European cooperation in defence and industry can deliver defence capabilities faster while strengthening national industry and collective security,” emphasizes Alejandro Page, CEO of GDELS – “Santa Bárbara Sistemas”.
About “Patria”
“Patria” is a modern and international defence and technology company with more than 100 years of operational experience. With highly qualified experts and business lines Protected Mobility, Defence and Weapon Systems, and Sustainment Solutions, the company provides reliable support on land, at sea, and in the air. “Patria” operates in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Latvia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Japan. The company is owned by the State of Finland (50.1%) and Norway’s “Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS” (49.9%), and also owns a 50% stake in Norway’s “Nammo”.
About “GDELS”
“General Dynamics European Land Systems” (GDELS), headquartered in Madrid, Spain, is the European business unit of the global aerospace and defence company “General Dynamics Corporation”. GDELS’ portfolio of military mobility solutions includes wheeled and tracked armored vehicles, mobile bridges, and artillery systems. Every day, 50 customers worldwide, including 20 NATO and EU countries, rely on the knowledge and skills of GDELS’ 3,000 employees at facilities in Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Romania, Denmark, and the Czech Republic.
