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ASCOD 2
Armoured fighting vehicle From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The ASCOD 2 (Austrian Spanish Cooperation Development 2), also known as the ASCOD SV (Special Vehicle) is an evolution of the ASCOD armoured vehicle with an increased weight capacity, and a more evolutive platform.[1]
When initiated, this programme was focused on creating export opportunities.[2]
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History
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An improved version of the ASCOD, called ASCOD 2, has been developed by General Dynamics and was presented in 2004.[3]
When this variant was presented, it had the following characteristics:[3]
- Engine: MTU 8V 199T21, 600 kilowatts (820 PS)
- Transmission: Renk HSWL 256 B
- Tracks: Diehl 1028
- Mass: 38.0 tonnes (83,800 lb) (growth capacity up to 42.0 tonnes (92,600 lb))
Over time, the capabilities of this variants were extended with the development of multiple sub-variants within the General Dynamics Land Systems group.
Early demonstrators
When the ASCOD 2 platform was released, GDELS presented several demonstrators to attract potential clients. These include:[3]
- An infantry fighting vehicle with the SP-30 turret, the same one that was ordered and in use with Spain and Austria.
- An armoured personnel carrier with a lowered roof, and armed with a BAE Lemur RCWS.[4]
In 2008, other demonstrators were shown:
- An up-armoured variant named PSO (peace support operations) was presented in 2008.[3]
- The Donar, a 155mm self-propelled howitzer using the ASCOD 2 chassis as a base, and the Artillery Gun Module of KMW, that reuses most weapon systems of the PzH 2000, but automates it. This prototype was used for mobility testing and firing trials in Germany.[5][6]
Although none of these demonstrators led directly to sales, it was the first step into a commercial success, with hundreds of vehicles sold, and thousands potential sales ongoing as of 2025.
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Variants
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Latvian variant
Selection
The Latvian Army operates the British CVR(T) which was purchased second hand (including the FV103, FV104 and FV107). The first were received in September 2015 with some minimal upgrades, and the rest of the vehicles were delivered from 2016 to early 2020.[7]
Following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Latvian authorities have been looking for a successor to the CVR(T) as it lacks some necessary technologies for the modern battlefield, and also as Latvia would like to support Ukraine with its existing armoured vehicles. The supply of the CVR(T) to Ukraine was confirmed in September 2024.[8]
The vehicles that were presented to Latvia and tested by its army include the ASCOD 2, the CV90, the K21 and the Otokar Tulpar.[9] In March 2024, following the testing phase, leaks coming from South Korea suggested that the K21 demonstrated the best performances, and that it would likely be selected by Latvia.[10] In November 2024, the Latvian ministry of defence selected the ASCOD 2 for its future IFV.[9]
A first contract for 42 vehicles was signed in January 2025 estimated at a value of €373 million (including a logistics support package).[11] In June 2025, the Latvian parliament approved the purchase of a second batch of 42 additional vehicles.[12]
Production
In January 2025, with the contract signature, it was announced that the first vehicle is planned to be delivered in 2026, while the following 41 left will be delivered in 2027.[11]
In May 2025, Patria announced that the vehicle would be assembled by them locally under licence.[13]
Design
With the signature of the first batch, more information regarding the parts selected for the IFV were unveiled. It includes:[11]
- ASCOD 2 vehicle:
- Transmission Renk HSWL256B[14]
- Rubber tracks (supplied by Soucy)
- STANAG 4569 level 4 protection
- Open eectronic architecture
- C4I system
- Elbit Systems UT30 Mk2, a remote turret (contract April 2025):[15]
- Mk44 Bushmaster II autocanon with a 30 mm caliber (30×173mm)
- Iron Fist hard-kill active protection system
- Option considered for an anti-tank guided missile, the Spike LR2 which is already integrated with the turret on the Romanian Piranha V IFV.
Spanish Army variants
The Spanish Army has purchased in multiple steps variants of the ASCOD and the ASCOD 2 variants.[16]
ASCOD
- Phase 1, delivered from 1996 to 2002:[17][18][19]
- 123 VCI/C Fase I – infantry fighting vehicles
- 21 VCPC – command and communications vehicles
- Phase 2, delivered from 2015 to 2017:[17]
- 2 prototypes of the VCI/C Fase II
- 81 VCI/C Fase II
VCZ Castor
Still as part of the phase 2, the Spanish Army ordered armoured sapper vehicles to replace M113 vehicles with the same role:[17]
- 1 prototype of the VCZAP Castor (Vehículo de Combate de ZAPadores Castor)
- 35 VCZAP Castor
Its role as a sapper or armoured engineering vehicle is to support mechanical troops advancement by filling trenches, by clearing obstacles, demining paths and assist in river crossings. For these missions, all the vehicles come with a bulldozer blade, but this one can be switched for a mine plough, a roller, a breach marking system and a mine-clearing hose launcher (MICLIC M-58).
This variant is equipped with the same engine as the ASCOD VCI/C Fase II, which is the MTU 8V199 TE20 that has a power of 721 PS (530 kW). This variant received the new local transmission, the SAPA SG850 which was initially planned for the VCI/C Fase II, but it wasn't ready back then.[17] The vehicle can reach a weight of 35 t (77,000 lb) in mission, with up to 13 t (29,000 lb) of mission equipment.[20]
In terms of armament, it received a Mini Samson RCWS M2 Browning equipped with a heavy machine gun for self defence.[21]
The prototype of the VCZAP Castor was delivered at the end of 2018.[22] The first six serial production vehicle was supplied in December 2023.[23] The last delivery of the VCZAP Castor and the Phase II of the Spanish ASCOD programme took place in February 2025 with 9 vehicles.[24]
VAC (Vehículo de Apoyo de Cadenas)
The Spanish Army looked for a solution to replace its TOA M-113 (Transporte Oruga Acorazado, which means armoured tracked transport vehicles). The locally made ASCOD 2 platform was ideal. TESS Defence (JV including Indra, GDELS SBS, SAPA and Escribano) offered an ASCOD 2 with the same electronic architecture as the VEC Dragon (the Spanish Piranha V variant). This vehicle was named Vehículo de Apoyo de Cadenas.
In December 2023, the Spanish Army signed a contract for a first batch worth €2 billion for 394 vehicles.[25][26]
The variants planned by the Spanish Army include:[27]
- Combat support:
- PP (portapersonal), an APC
- DCC (defensa contracarro), an anti-tank defence vehicle
- PC (puesto de mando), a command post vehicle
- OAV (observador avanzado), a forward artillery observer vehicle
- PM (mortera pesado de 120 mm), a 120 mm mortar carrier (potentially the ASCOD equipped with the Escribano GMOS mortar turret)[28]
- Sapper (VCZ Castor)
- Logistics:
- AMB (ambulancia), an armoured ambulance
- REC (recuperación), an armoured recovery vehicle
- CPU (carga pick-up), a pick-up transport vehicle
- CB (carga blindada), an armoured cargo transport vehicle
Prototypes
ASCOD 2 MMBT (medium main battle tank)
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GDELS SBS presented this variant at Eurosatory 2018. It is an ASCOD 2 with a gross weight of 42 t (93,000 lb) equipped with the turret Hitfact 120mm from Leonardo. The turret is armed with a smoothbore tank gun of 120mm L/45 by Leonardo, a 7.62×51mm NATO coaxial machine gun, a 7.62×51mm NATO pintle-mounted gun, and a remote weapon station on the roof equipped with a 12.7×99mm NATO heavy machine gun.[29] The tank gun is coupled to a fire control system with a laser range finder, enabling precise shooting in movement.
ASCOD 2 – Cobra bridge layer
The Cobra is an assault bridge that can be transported and installed on a medium weight armoured vehicles such as the Piranha V and the ASCOD 2. These bridges are certified for MLC 120 (military load classification).[30]
This bridge layer system was presented at IDET 2019 in Brno.
ASCOD 2 – NEMESIS
The NEMESIS is a tracked artillery system using the Artillery Gun Module from KNDS Deutschland that was presented in May 2025 at FEINDEF in Mardrid. It is a further evolution of the DONAR that was presented in 2008 [31][32][33][34]
The specifications of the vehicle are:[35][34]
- Engine: MTU 8V199 TE23, with 1,100 PS (810 kW)
- Turret / armament:
- Gun: Rheinmetall 155mm L/52
- Fire rate: > 8 per minute
- Gun elevation: -2.5° to + 65°
- Azimuth: 360° at full charge
- Range:
- 40 km (25 mi) with HE base bleed rounds
- 54 km (34 mi) with Vulcano 155 Ballistic Extended Range (BER)
- 70 km (43 mi) with Vulcano 155 Guided Long Range (GLR)
- Payload:
- 30 fused rounds
- 144 modular charges
- MRSI for up to 5 rounds
- Shoot on the move capability, and shoot and scoot.
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Derivatives of the ASCOD 2
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British Army – Ajax SV
As part of the programme SCOUT SV, the ASCOD 2 was presented against the CV90 to replace the CVR(T) family, which included the FV107 Scimitar reconnaissance vehicle, the FV103 Spartan APC and the FV106 Samson armoured recovery vehicle.
In March 2010, the platform ASCOD 2 was chosen by the Ministry of Defence. This vehicle / programme was then renamed Ajax.[36] Around 300 British engineers at General Dynamics UK's Oakdale facility began developing the Ajax from the ASCOD 2 after being awarded the contract in 2010.[37][38]
The British Army received its first ASCOD SV in 2020.[39]
Philippine Army variants
In January 2021, the Philippine Army awarded a contract to supply light tanks to Elbit Systems (Israel).[40] In June 2021, the contract for 18 light tanks based on the ASCOD 2 was signed. The contract also included a fire support variant equipped with the same turret based on the Pandur II (8×8).[41]
The ASCOD 2 variant is a light tank (30 tons), equipped with a turret made and installed by Elbit Systems (105 mm L/52 rifled gun with an auto-loader).[42] The production of the chassis took place in Spain with GDELS - SBS.[43]
In December 2023, the Philippine Army unveiled a command post armoured vehicle based on the ASCOD 2.[44] It is equipped with an Elbit UT25 unmanned turret.[45]
In May 2025, the latest batch was delivered, and it included also an armoured recovery variant.[46]
United States Army variants
Two main derivatives of the ASCOD 2:
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- M10 Booker, where the Griffin 2 platform won the Mobile Protected Firepower programme in June 2022, had some deliveries in 2024 and 2025,[47][48] but was cancelled in May 2025 because of its weight not corresponding to the requirements of the US Army.[49]
- The Griffin III is competing against the KF-41 Lynx to become the future infantry fighting vehicle of the US Army. Both were pre-selected in June 2023 for the next stage of the programme, the XM-30, which will see prototypes of both companies tested.[50] Following the selection, General Dynamics Land Systems was awarded a contract worth US$769 million, for the full design, the production and the testing of seven identical prototypes.[51][52] The US Army worked with both contractors to reach the critical design review (June 2025, Milestone B).[52] Since then, the production of the prototypes has started with the aim to supply them for testing in 2026, and by 2027 (Milestone C), the winner will be selected, and a first IFV is expected to be delivered by 2029.[50]
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Operators
Operators of the ASCOD 2
Current operators
Spain (36)- 36 VCZAP Castor (Vehículo de Combate de ZAPadores Castor), a sapper vehicle as part of the Phase II order of the ASCOD programme:
Future operators
Latvia (84)- 42 ASCOD 2 IFV selected in November 2024, contract signed in January 2025 for €373 million, with Elbit UT30 MK2 unmanned turret.
- 42 additional order approved for order by the parliament in June 2025.[12] The contract was signed at the end of June 2025 worth €387 million.[53]
- Spain (394)
- In December 2023, the Spanish Army signed a contract for a first batch worth €2 billion for 394 Vehículo de Apoyo de Cadenas.[25][26]
- The variants split is unclear at the moment.
Potential operators / sales
Brazil- The Brazilian Army is looking for a modern tank (light or main battle tank) and an infantry fighting vehicle. The ASCOD 2 is in the competition, and the base base is offered in several options:[54]
- Light tank:
- ASCOD 2 120mm (a Spanish prototype of light tank)
- IFV: an ASCOD 2 with a turret with a 35mm canon.
- Light tank:
Portugal- The Portuguese Army expressed an interest to order new tracke infantry fighting vehicles in February 2025. GDELS SBS is one of the candidates to supply the vehicle.[55]
Romania (298)- Romania is looking to replace its MLI-84 in two phases, 246 vehicles until 2032, and 52 further vehicles later. The budget reaches €3 billion and the production is expected to be local.[56][57][58][59]
- The three main competitors for its succession are the KF-41 Lynx, the K21 Redback and the ASCOD 2.
- Spain (128)
- The Spanish Army and the Marine Corps are looking for a successor to the M109A5.[60]
- The programme has a pre-financing budget of €3 billion will be received, and a budget of €300 million is given for that programme in 2025. This includes a wheeled (86 units) and a tracked self-propelled howitzer (128 units).[61]
- One of the requirement mentions that the system has to be capable to be used in anti-ship operations, with moving targets. The other requirement include a barrel of 155mm L/47 to L/52 with a 40 km range minimum with base-bleed munitions.[61]
- For the tracked component of the programme, the pre-financing budget reaches €1.821 billion, and the systems to be included are:[61]
- 128 tracked howitzers, based on ASCOD 2
- 21 recovery vehicles
- 59 command and control vehicles (48 for the Army, 11 for the Navy)
- Equipment for maintenance, training, logistics.
- The GDELS Nemesis using the AGM is the likely winner, while the wheeled variant would use the same artillery system, and be based on the Piranha Advanced Artillery Carrier (Piranha IV 10×10) that is already selected by the Swiss Army.[61]
Ukraine- GDELS SBS presented a plan in June 2024 to manufacture 50 ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles per year for the Ukrainian Army.[62] This plan follows a meeting between industry representatives and the Spanish state. In May 2024 a defence agreement between Spain and Ukraine led to this offer.[63]
- Also, in September 2023, an agreement was made between GDELS and LLC Ukrainian Armored Vehicles for a potential licence production of the ASCOD in Ukraine, after having visited the production facilities in Spain and tested the ASCOD.[64]
Failed bids
Australia (246)- With the Land 400 Phase 3, Australia was looking for 450 tracked IFV to replace its 431 M113AS4.[65]
Czech Republic (246)- The Czech Army initiated plans to replace its BVP-M2 in 2015.[66]
- In June 2017, five IFV types were tested for 9 days (ASCOD 2, CV90 in two variants, the KF-41 Lynx and the Puma).[67]
- After the tests, in December 2018 the ASCOD 2, a CV90, the KF-41 Lynx and the Puma were shortlisted.[68] The Puma was announced withdrawn from the competition in October 2019.[69]
- After several hesitations on this investment, the Czech government selected the CV90 Mk IV in 2022, and the contract for 246 vehicles was signed in May of 2023.[70]
Denmark- In 2013, the Danish Army initiated the replacement of the M113, and pre-selected the ASCOD 2, the, CV90 Armadillo, the PMMC G5, the Mowag Piranha V and the VBCI.[71]
- In 2015, the Danish Army selected the Mowag Piranha V.[72]
Slovakia (152 + 72)- Slovakia was looking for a successor to its BTR-80 fleet. A procurement procedure was launched in late 2021, for which the plan was to purchase 152 AIFV in a first phase and 82 during a second phase.[73] Among the vehicles included in the bid were the ASCOD 2, the Borsuk, the CV9035 MkIV and the KF-41 Lynx.The Borsuk was eliminated after the trial period in 2021.
- The CV90 was selected in June 2022,[74] and the contract signed in May 2023.[75]
Operators of derivatives of the ASCOD 2
Current operators
Philippine (20)- Three variants in service in the Philippine Army:
- 18 light tanks ordered in June 2021.[41]
- 1 command and control vehicle received in December 2023, with an unmanned turret Elbut UT25.[45]
- 1 armoured recovery vehicle received in May 2025.[46]
United Kingdom (589)- The Ajax won the competition FRES in 2010.[76][77]
- The following variants and sub-variants are in service / being delivered:[78][79]
United States (cancelled, status of existing vehicles unknown)- As part of the Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) programme, the derivative of the ASCOD 2, which became the M10 Booker was selected in June 2022 to be produced for the US Army. But in May 2025, it was cancelled.[49]
- Orders that were signed:
Potential operators / sales
- Brazil
- The Brazilian Army is looking for a modern tank (light or main battle tank) and an infantry fighting vehicle. The ASCOD 2 is in the competition, and the base base is offered in several options:[83]
- Potential light tank: M10 Booker
Poland (up to 700)- Under the CBWP programme, the Polish Army is looking for up to 700 heavy IFV. to support the main battle tanks on the battlefield.
- The offers include:
- Ajax IFV by GD UK, to be equipped with the ZSSW-30 remote controlled turret.[84]
- AMPV IFV by BAE Systems USA offered to the Polish Army in 2022.[85]
- K9 Thunder chassis by Hanwha, to be equipped with the ZSSW-30 remote controlled turret.[86]
- K21 Redback by Hanwha tested in Poland in two configurations.[87]
- KF-41 Lynx by Rheinmetall offered to the Polish Army.[88]
- Tulpar by Otokar, the Turkish company wants to offer this variant to the Polish Army.[89]
- United States (up to 3,800)
- The US Army is looking for a successor to the M2 / M3 Bradley. The Griffin III is one of the two finalists of a programme that could reach up to 3,800 vehicles, and be worth USD $45 billion.[90]
- As part of the XM-30 programme, the US Army ordered 7 identical Griffin III IFV prototypes to General Dynamics Land Systems, contract worth US$769 million.[51][52]
- The trials will take place in 2026, the selection in 2027, and the delivery should start in 2029.[50]
Failed bids
- Australia (129)
- With the Land 400 Phase 3, Australia was looking for 450 tracked IFV to replace its 431 M113AS4.[65]
- GD UK offered the Ajax to the Australian Army, but the bid was rejected in 2021 as the programme was seen as problematic with its problems in the UK.[91]
- Australia pre-selected were the KF-41 from Rheinmetall and the AS21 Redback by Hanwha in 2021.[92] After evaluation of the prototypes, the AS21 Redback won the competition in July 2023.[93] The contract was signed in December 2023, but for only 129 vehicles.[94]
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See also
References
External links
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