General Dynamics European Land Systems Partners with Patria Latvia
General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) has announced its collaboration with Patria Latvia to oversee the maintenance and repair of the M3 amphibious pontoon bridge systems. This partnership highlights GDELS’s commitment to bolstering Latvia’s defense capabilities, as a delegation from Patria recently visited GDELS facilities to discuss project specifics. The repair work will take place in Valmiera, a city situated in the northeastern region of Latvia. Currently, the Latvian National Armed Forces are operating four M3 units, which are fully financed through a US government grant program.
Alejandro Page, Vice President of GDELS Santa Bárbara Sistemas, emphasized the strategic significance of this collaboration, stating, “The M3 systems will complement our ongoing work in assembling and servicing ASCOD vehicles, enhance the security of GDELS’s supply chain in Latvia, and become a strong component of Latvia’s defense industry.” This initiative marks a crucial step in strengthening military support and infrastructure within the region.
Understanding the M3 Amphibious System
The M3 amphibious system plays a vital role in enhancing the mobility of armored vehicles across waterways. It can operate as a self-propelled ferry or form part of a mobile pontoon bridge, demonstrating versatility in both military and civil defense scenarios. Each M3 unit measures 12.8 meters in length (42 feet), stands nearly 4 meters tall (13 feet), and weighs around 28 metric tons. Notably, it is capable of transporting over 120 metric tons and requires a crew of just two to three personnel to operate.
Equipped with advanced features, the M3 system is propelled through water using dual 360-degree rotatable water pump jets. Impressively, it can deploy a 100-meter bridge in under ten minutes, making it an essential tool for rapid response in military operations.
Latvia’s Defense Modernization with ASCOD Vehicles
In light of increasing tensions due to the war in Ukraine, Latvia has ramped up its defense initiatives, particularly given its shared border with Russia. As a part of this strategic enhancement, the government of Latvia approved the acquisition of 42 ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles from GDELS in June, a deal valued at $446 million. This acquisition aims to bolster the capabilities of an additional battalion and expedite the development of Latvia’s mechanized infantry brigade.
This recent purchase follows a previous agreement between Patria and GDELS to jointly manage the assembly and ongoing maintenance of ASCOD vehicles on Latvian soil. Unitruck, a local company, is also collaborating on this project, further strengthening the national defense industry and supporting local economic growth.
