GDELS orders Elbit UT30 Mk 2 turret systems for ASCOD AFVs

GDELS–Santa Bárbara Sistemas has ordered Elbit UT30 Mk 2 turret systems for an unnamed European country's ASCOD AFVs, pictured in the configuration used for trials in Latvia. (GDELS)

General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) has ordered Elbit Systems' UT30 Mk 2 turret systems for an unnamed European country's ASCOD armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs), the Israeli company announced in a press release on 9 April.

Under the approximately USD100 million contract to be executed until the end of 2027, Elbit will supply its UT30 Mk 2 unmanned turret equipped with gunner and commander sights, anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), and NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4569 level 4 protection. The turrets will be produced in co-operation with local companies, supporting a secure supply chain and local support capabilities, according to Elbit.

Asked by Janes if the turrets were for ASCODs being procured by Latvia, Elbit declined on 11 April to specify the country and GDELS referred Janes to the Latvian Ministry of Defence (MoD), which referred to GDELS' 30 January press release announcing its ASCOD contract with Latvia.

Latvian National Armaments Director Major General Andis Dilāns and GDELS–Santa Bárbara Sistemas vice-president Alejandro Page Hernandez signed a EUR373 million (USD423.6 million) contract on 30 January on the procurement of 42 ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) for the Latvian National Armed Forces. The contract is for an initial batch of ASCOD vehicles and includes logistic support, according to GDELS.

A GDELS spokesperson told Janes