According to the Ministry’s press service, the contract will include training simulators and initial logistic support. Deliveries of the new IFVs are expected to be completed within eight years. The programme has been described by the Ministry as a “priority”.
The procurement of tracked IFVs is part of a broader effort to enhance the capabilities of Romania’s Land Forces. As stated in the Ministry’s email, “More than 70 significant equipment procurement and equipping programmes are active, at different stages, for all branches of the armed forces (Land Forces, Air Forces, Naval Forces, and Special Operations Forces). Of these, 27 programmes have ongoing contracts, many of them for the Land Forces: Armoured Personnel Carriers, Light Armoured Tactical Vehicles, Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle Platforms, 155 mm Howitzer Systems at battalion level, etc.”
Leading manufacturers of IFVs have expressed interest in the Romanian programme. Defence industry companies showcased their proposals for Romania’s armed forces during the BSDA 2024 exhibition, which took place in May last year. Among the vehicles proposed were the Redback (Hanwha Aerospace), KF41 Lynx (Rheinmetall), CV90 (BAE Systems), and ASCOD 2 (General Dynamics European Land Systems).
With the acquisition of new IFVs, Romania aims to establish industrial capabilities within the country through technology and knowledge transfer, localised production, and the creation of a domestic maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) base for the future IFV fleet.
“Supporting the development of the national defence industry and strategic partnerships with international companies is essential for Romania. By working with industry leaders, Romania will foster technology transfer, the development of new capabilities, and job creation in the defence sector,” the Ministry’s press service stated.
