Romania plans to acquire 150 additional Piranha 5 armored vehicles.

The Romanian Ministry of National Defense has submitted a request to the country's Parliament for authorization to initiate the process of acquiring an additional 150 Piranha 5 armored troop transport vehicles. This acquisition is estimated to cost around 674 million US dollars.
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Piranha V GDELS wheeled armored combat vehicle. (Picture source: Romanian MoD)

This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the capabilities of the Romanian military, particularly by expanding its fleet of troop transport vehicles. This expansion is in line with the updated minimum capability standards set by NATO.

The Piranha 5 is a multifunctional armored vehicle, that combines durability with advanced technology. It stands out for its ability to accommodate a variety of armaments, ranging from remotely controlled light weapon stations to heavy turret and gun systems. Its modular design makes it a versatile choice for various military missions.

In terms of protection, the Piranha 5 benefits from an integrated and modular protection layout. Its V-shaped hull is specifically designed to enhance resistance to explosions, and it is equipped with active protection systems. It weighs 30,000 kg.

The vehicle can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h and has a range of 550 km, making it ideal for long-distance missions. Additionally, the Piranha 5 is equipped with numerous accessories to enhance its efficiency and crew comfort, such as an NBC overpressure system, fire suppression system, air conditioning, an Arctic kit, and an integrated generator capable of providing up to 100 kW of external power.

The vehicle can accommodate a crew of 3 plus 8 passengers, measuring 8.0 meters in length, 2.99 meters in width, and 2.34 meters in height. Its design and capabilities make it a versatile and robust choice for armed forces in various operational situations. Hence, Romania's interest in such a versatile vehicle is understandable.

This acquisition plan includes not only the 150 Piranha 5 vehicles but also comprehensive logistical support and specialized training equipment. These resources are crucial for the ongoing transformation efforts of the Romanian Army, which are expected to continue through 2040. The request from the Ministry of National Defense has been forwarded to the defense committees of the Permanent Committees of the Parliament, who are tasked with preparing the necessary documentation for this acquisition, as reported by Digi24.

The Romanian Minister of Defense, Angel Tîlvăr, in a communication to the Parliament, emphasized that this acquisition meets the evolving operational requirements following the introduction of new NATO capability codes and the revised NATO capability requirements since 2020. These changes are part of Romania's commitment to NATO's defense planning and its strategic objectives for modernizing its military by 2040.