Latvia bolsters Ukraine's defence with CVR(T) armoured vehicles
According to the Latvian portal Delfi, Latvia will supply Ukraine with CVR(T) tracked armoured reconnaissance vehicles. The local ministry received this equipment in 2015 based on an order placed the previous year.
Riga has announced that it will send CVR(T) armoured vehicles to the front in Ukraine. These vehicles were purchased in the United Kingdom a few years ago, reports the Latvian portal Delfi, which confirmed this information with the Ministry of Defence press department. Latvia has not disclosed the exact number of vehicles that will be sent as part of the latest support, but the Ukrainians have. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence announced that the aid package includes nine CVR(T) vehicles.
Latvia will send CVR(T) vehicles to Ukraine
It is worth noting that Latvia, which borders Russia, ordered 123 CVR(T) vehicles in 2014. The first machines were to arrive in 2015, and in 2019, Riga signed another agreement with the United Kingdom to purchase additional vehicles of this type.
It is unclear which specific machines will be sent to Ukraine as part of Latvia's support. CVR(T) is a broad family of British light combat vehicles developed for the British Army at the turn of the 1960s and 70s. This group includes various versions: light tanks (FV101 Scorpion), tank destroyers (FV102 Striker), personnel carriers (FV103 Spartan), and light tanks equipped with a 30 mm calibre cannon (FV107 Scimitar).
Analysts suggest several possibilities
Although representatives of Latvia and Ukraine do not specify which version of the CVR(T) will go to the front, analysts from the portal Defense Express suggest that Latvia's support most likely includes the FV103 Spartan. These machines were previously delivered to Ukraine as part of aid from partner countries and projects organised by volunteers.
These armoured personnel carriers are powered by a Jaguar J60 petrol engine, which generates around 190 hp and propels the vehicle to a speed of 50 mph. Inside, there is space for a 7-member crew, who can use a 7.62 mm calibre GPMG machine gun for defence or attack.
Defense Express also notes that CVR(T)s in the FV101 Scorpion version (approximately 170 units) were previously delivered to Ukraine, so this version cannot be ruled out as potential support from Latvia. This version has the same engine as the transport version of CVR(T). However, the Scorpion differs from it with a smaller cabin. Inside is space for a 3-member crew, and the vehicle's armament consists of a 76 mm calibre L23A1 cannon and a 7.62 mm calibre L43A1 machine gun.
