Romania’s Ministry of Defence is planning to buy 44 used Amphibious Assault Vehicles from the US, doubling its intended order from 2023.
The initiative is part of Bucharest’s larger objective to integrate modern assets into the Romanian Army through 2040 and increase its competitiveness against evolving threats.
The potential contract stipulates the US systems in their AAV-7 variant, according to official documents reviewed by DefenseRomania, and has now been sent to parliament for approval.
The vehicles have an estimated value of $210 million and will be sourced from the US Marine Corps’ stockpile.
Once commissioned under the southeastern European country, the AAV-7 is expected to increase warfighter survival in combat zones while amplifying their firepower, maneuverability, and situational awareness.
The AAV-7
Developed by BAE Systems, the AAV-7 measures 8 meters (26 feet) and has a weight of 29 tons (29,000 kilograms).
It is covered with 45-millimeter armor, has an interior space for up to 20 passengers, and is armed with a heavy machine gun and automatic grenade launcher.
The vehicle is powered by a V8 engine with approximately 500 horsepower for a maximum range of 480 kilometers (298 miles) on land and 20 nautical miles (37 kilometers/23 miles) on water.
The AAV-7 travels at 72 kilometers (45 miles) per hour on land and about 13 kilometers (8 miles) per hour at sea.
In the US Marine Corps, the platform is commonly used for rugged operations, troop landing, and cargo transport.