Romania Doubles Purchase of American Amphibious Vehicles AAV-7.

The Romanian Ministry of Defense (MApN) recently submitted a request to Parliament for the acquisition of AAV-7 amphibious vehicles from the U.S. Marine Corps inventory. According to official documents reviewed by DefenseRomania, the request is for 44 vehicles, doubling the initial plan.
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The order involves 44 AAV-7 vehicles, sourced from the U.S. Marine Corps' inventory, with an estimated value of $210 million (Picture source: US DoD)

This acquisition is part of Romania's efforts to modernize and strengthen its armed forces. The document emphasizes the importance of equipping the military with modern means to ensure flexibility, survival on the battlefield, better mobility, enhanced situational awareness, and increased firepower. This initiative is part of the program to transform the Romanian military by 2040.

The order involves 44 AAV-7 vehicles, sourced from the U.S. Marine Corps' inventory, with an estimated value of $210 million, excluding VAT. Romania intends to finalize this purchase through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The AAV-7 is a tracked armored amphibious vehicle designed to transport Marines and equipment from ship to shore and across hostile territories.

It can carry up to 25 Marines in addition to its three-member crew and is powered by a Detroit Diesel 8V-53T (P-7) or Cummins VT 400 903 (P-7A1) engine, with a range of 300 miles on land and 20 nautical miles in the water. The vehicle's maximum speed reaches 72 km/h on roads, 32 km/h off-road, and 13 km/h in water, making it versatile for various environments.

In terms of armament, the AAV-7 is equipped with a Mk 19 40mm grenade launcher or an M242 Bushmaster 25mm gun, as well as an M2HB .50-caliber machine gun. This allows it to provide direct fire support to Marines during assault operations. Its amphibious capabilities enable the AAV-7 to attack any coastline directly from the decks of Navy assault ships, making it a vital asset for Marine Corps expeditionary missions.

In terms of armament, the AAV-7 is equipped with a Mk 19 40mm grenade launcher or an M242 Bushmaster 25mm gun, as well as an M2HB .50-caliber machine gun (Picture source: US DoD)

The AAV-7 has evolved over time, taking inspiration from earlier amphibious vehicle models such as Roebling's "Alligator" and "Crocodile" used during World War II. The latest variant, the AAVP7A1, features improved armor and is capable of operating in rough waters. This evolution has turned the AAV-7 into not only a key logistical support vehicle but also an armored platform capable of navigating surf zones and hostile environments to deliver troops and equipment to inland objectives.

Last year, the U.S. State Department approved the sale of AAV vehicles to Romania, initially covering 21 units. These included three variants: 16 AAVP-7A1 tracked armored vehicles for troop transport and landing, three AAVC-7A1 command vehicles, and two AAVR-7A1 recovery vehicles. Eventually, Romania opted to more than double the number of these vehicles.The AAV7A1 vehicles, in service with the U.S. Marine Corps since 1972, are also used by other armed forces worldwide.

This decision is significant for Romania, as the country currently lacks suitable amphibious vehicles to meet its defense needs despite its geographical characteristics. The completion of this contract will enhance Romania's military capabilities, especially for troop transport and landing operations, which could be essential for a broader defense strategy aligned with the country's geographic obligations.