Latvia Receives Military Tactical Vehicle from the U.S.

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For the first time, Latvia already received 18 ‘Sportsman Big Boss’ and MRZR-2 military tactical vehicles manufactured by an American company.

The vehicles, which have been deployed during missions carried out by NATO forces in Afghanistan, are intended for use by the Latvian Armed Forces and have been procured under the U.S. government’s foreign military sales program.

The manufacturer of the vehicles, Polaris Government and Defense, is a partner of government organizations, the U.S. Military and its allies.

Latvia Defense Minister Raimonds Bergmanis said: “We are delighted that Polaris vehicles are being delivered and will significantly boost the tactical mobility of Latvian Armed Forces, including the National Guard. This vehicle supply deal is yet another successful cooperation initiative between Latvia and the U.S.”

The Latvia National Armed Forces expects to receive a further 44 Polaris-manufactured military tactical vehicles by the end of this year under the U.S. government’s foreign military financing program.

In addition, more Polaris vehicles are planned to be delivered in 2020 as part of a fully funded U.S. government program.

Latvia is set to procure 130 Polaris vehicles in total, including ‘Sportsman Big Boss’, MRZR-2, MRZR-4, and MV850. The consignment is estimated to be around €6.8m.

Under the framework of intergovernmental agreements with the U.S., Latvia will also receive vehicle parts, engineering support and training, as reported in army-technology.com.

So far, the Latvia’s armed forces received a variety of equipment which was, and is, necessary for upgrading their capabilities. For example, communication systems, night vision equipment and vehicles.