Romania is poised to enhance its military capabilities with a planned acquisition of 246 tracked infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), with the contract expected to be finalized within this year. This procurement is part of a broader initiative aimed at bolstering the Romanian armed forces’ ground capabilities in light of escalating tensions on NATO’s eastern flank. The project is labeled a “priority” by Bucharest and is projected to be completed over a span of eight years. The deal will also encompass the provision of simulators and logistics services, according to a report from Defence Industry Europe.
Currently, Romania is implementing over 70 significant equipment procurement and equipping programs across all branches of its armed forces, including Land Forces, Air Forces, Naval Forces, and Special Operations Forces. Of these, 27 programs already have active contracts, particularly focused on Land Forces. This includes investments in armored personnel carriers, light armored tactical vehicles, multi-purpose wheeled platforms, and 155 mm howitzer systems at the battalion level.
Interest from the defense industry has been robust, with several international partners presenting their proposals for the modern IFVs at a defense convention held in Romaero in May of the previous year. Among the platforms highlighted were the German KF41 Lynx, the British CV90, the Korean K21 Redback, and the European ASCOD 2.
In alignment with this procurement strategy, Romania aims to bolster its domestic defense industry. Following the establishment of a local factory for the production of Cobra armored tactical vehicles, the Romanian government plans to incorporate technological transfers and localized production into the IFV program. This initiative aims to establish a maintenance, repair, and overhaul complex within Romania. The Ministry of Defence emphasized the importance of developing the national defense industry and forming strategic partnerships with international companies, asserting that such collaborations will facilitate technology transfer, capability enhancement, and job creation in the defense sector.
In addition to the upcoming IFV procurement, Romania has recently made strides in modernizing its military fleet. In January, the country announced the acquisition of 150 Piranha 5 IFVs, augmenting an existing fleet of over 200 units operational since 2020. Furthermore, in November 2024, Romania revealed an intention to double its order of Amphibious Assault Vehicles from the United States, increasing the total to 44 units. The government also indicated a partnership with a Turkish mobility developer to supply more than 1,000 Cobra II light armored vehicles. Additionally, in 2024, Romania selected the South Korean-made K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer to enhance its ground attack capabilities and establish approximately three modern artillery battalions.
