RIGA, June 7 (LETA) - One year after signing a contract for the delivery of Hunter infantry fighting vehicles to the Latvian National Armed Forces (NBS), the Spanish company GDELS-Santa Barbara Sistemas has delivered the first vehicle to Patria Latvia's production facility in order to start assembling Hunter infantry fighting vehicles in Valmiera, Patria Latvia informed LETA.

Defense Minister Raivis Melnis said that the Hunter infantry fighting vehicles will significantly strengthen the combat capabilities of the National Armed Forces, Latvia's security, and the ability to protect the country in the event of various threats.

At the same time, the minister pointed out that this project is a significant investment not only in defense, but also in Latvia's economy and industry. "In close cooperation with our allies, we have ensured that Latvian companies are involved in the production and maintenance of the infantry fighting vehicle, while the final assembly of the infantry fighting vehicle takes place in Valmiera. This shows that strong national defense and strong local industry go hand in hand in building a safer and more resilient Latvia," said Melnis.

Alejandro Page, CEO of GDELS-Santa Barbara Sistemas, said that the delivery of the first Hunter infantry fighting vehicle to Patria Latvia just one year after the contract was signed is an example of effective cooperation with the Latvian military industry, which is critical in today's security environment. At the same time, it also reflects NATO's ability to cooperate, both among allies and within the military industry, thus strengthening the Alliance's collective defense, said Page.

Ugis Romanovs, Chairman of the Board of Patria Latvia, said that one of the most important preconditions for the successful development of the military industry in Latvia is the involvement of local industry. According to Romanovs, through transnational cooperation projects such as Hunter, where supplier involvement is set at 30 percent, Latvia can significantly strengthen its military industry by acquiring knowledge of new capabilities and skills needed for the long-term.

He pointed out that already this November 18, not only will the 6x6 Patria armored personnel carriers produced in Valmiera, but also the Hunter infantry fighting vehicle, will be on parade.

The Hunter infantry fighting vehicle has been significantly upgraded to meet the requirements of modern mechanized infantry operations, providing powerful firepower, modular protection, and compatibility with equipment of the National Armed Forces and NATO allies. The name Hunter was chosen by the soldiers of the Land Forces Mechanized Infantry Brigade as the main users of this equipment.

As reported, last January the Ministry of Defense (MoD) signed a contract with the Spanish company GDELS-Santa Barbara Sistemas for the delivery of 42 Ascod Hunter infantry fighting vehicles to the NBS. In June, the MoD signed a contract with the same Spanish company for the purchase of an additional 42 infantry fighting vehicles.

As a result, a total of 84 vehicles will be delivered to Latvia. The Latvian defense industry is expected to contribute at least 30 percent of the order.

The additional infantry fighting vehicles will cost EUR 387 million, while the initial order will cost EUR 373 million.