Romania to purchase 44 used Amphibious Assault Vehicles from US

Europe, News November 10, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

3 minute read

Romania plans to acquire 44 used Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAVs) from the United States. This purchase, which doubles Romania’s original order from 2023, underscores Bucharest’s long-term strategy to modernize its armed forces and increase its competitiveness in the face of evolving regional threats.

The deal, which is valued at approximately $210 million, will see the AAV-7 variant sourced from the U.S. Marine Corps’ stockpile. The vehicles are expected to significantly enhance Romania’s military capabilities and offer improved protection, maneuverability, and firepower for its ground troops, particularly in amphibious operations.

According to official documents, the proposal has already been submitted to Romania’s parliament for approval, initiating the next step in the acquisition process.

Romania’s Ministry of Defense has been focusing on acquiring more modern assets to build a military force that can respond to new security challenges as part of its broader defense strategy. “The integration of these vehicles will play a crucial role in achieving the Romanian Army’s modernization goals, which extend to the year 2040,” said a Ministry representative.

By investing in advanced military technology, Romania aims to strengthen its defensive capabilities and contribute to NATO’s broader security objectives, particularly considering the increasing instability in Eastern Europe.

Developed by defense contractor BAE Systems, the AAV-7 is a versatile and highly mobile vehicle designed for amphibious operations, making it ideal for the diverse and challenging terrain of southeastern Europe.

U.S. Amphibious Combat Vehicle — ^{An Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) with the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division disembarks the well deck of the amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23) during waterborne training. (Image Credit: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Hector Carrera)}

Measuring 26 feet in length and weighing 29,000 kilograms, the vehicle is heavily armored with 45-millimeter-thick armor that offers substantial protection against small arms fire and shrapnel. It has a capacity to carry up to 20 passengers in addition to its crew, making it well-suited for troop landings and cargo transport.

The vehicle is powered by a V8 engine, which provides 500 horsepower, enabling it to travel at a top speed of 72 kilometers per hour on land. It is also capable of reaching a speed of 13 kilometers per hour when moving across water, which is crucial for amphibious operations. The vehicle’s operational range is impressive, with a maximum of 480 kilometers on land and 20 nautical miles in water.

The AAV-7 is armed with a heavy machine gun and an automatic grenade launcher, providing robust firepower to support ground troops in combat situations. These capabilities are expected to improve the survivability of Romanian forces on the battlefield, enhancing their operational flexibility in a variety of combat scenarios.

The platform’s ability to navigate both land and water makes it useful for transferring troops during assaults and operations near coastal areas. This capability is especially relevant for Romania, which has a strategic location on the Black Sea, where naval and amphibious operations could be crucial in defending its borders or supporting NATO missions in the region.

Romania’s decision to double its planned purchase of AAVs comes as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its defense capabilities. The country has been actively working to modernize its military, aligning with NATO’s vision of a more integrated and capable defense alliance.

The acquisition of these amphibious vehicles will play a critical role in enhancing the Romanian Army’s ability to respond to emerging threats, both from state and non-state actors.