Romania - Army Equipment Introduction
A few dozen relatively modern and newer armored tanks, in the rest hundreds and hundreds of tanks, transporters, cannons and outdated, technically outdated and morally worn out weapons - this is how the Land Forces, the main branch of the Romanian Army, showed in 2020. In some places there were also found newer or more relevant equipment, but overall too little for the Army of the tenth largest member of NATO. New acquisitions had been left to wait, modern armored vehicles were creeping in, new assault weapons and alliance-standard ammunition were still only here and there implemented, and the prospect of a new and modern main battle tank was unclear. Beyond of equipment, however, the Army has at hand perhaps the most valuable and important resource: the people - true professionals, dedicated to their sworn oath.
The exact number of tanks the Army still has in service is not public or known. It is known, however, that the only modern tanks of the Army are 54 in number - the famous TR-85M1 "Bison". The rest - a few hundred - are the original, non-modernized versions of the Bizon or the much older Soviet T55s. Why is it not known exactly how many of these are still in working order and are actually used by the Army? Some voices say that for tactical reasons, other sources speak more for reasons related to institutional pride - it does no good to say that the army doesn't have enough of the old tanks either. As of 2002 Romania's current and projected inventory of Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty (CFE) was below established ceilings. The efforts on modernizing weapons' platforms have generally been limited to increase product improvements such as the MIG-21 LANCER Program and C4/CIS assets. Romania has also focused on providing the most capable systems to active forces. Territorial Forces assets have second priority for resources. A significant amount of major equipment will also be placed in preservation (Reserve Forces) or reduced altogether. It should be noted that the destruction of excess/obsolete equipment represents a significant capital investment. Land Forces will retain less than 20% of its major systems (i.e., tanks, AFV and artillery) in the active brigades. These systems will receive the highest priority for maintenance and repair. The majority of equipment for territorial forces will be stored and maintained.
At the request of the military staff of the land forces, armaments Department of the Defense Ministry, Bucharest, Mechanical plant in 2007-2009 were accomplished five pieces on DMT tank chassis, with 85 M1 to ensure realization of support of the engineer units in this category of forces. Thus, dragorul can participate in the performance of tasks for research: mined areas, execution and passageways in the land mine, mine clearance to partial or total land use for General and specific assignments to peace, crisis and war. Dragorul on the chassis of tank 85M1 DMT is a by-product of the tank the Middle TR-85M1: "BIZONUL", and was intended to carry out a series of specific missions. As an energy carrier, chassis, Powertrain plant-suspension and other important systems are similar to those of the original product, providing the same performance recognized for armored fighting vehicles track (capacity for crew and equipment, mobility, dynamic performance).
In order to achieve the objectives of the force given by the ground forces are intended to further the development of derived products on TR 85 M1 chassis-Tractor exhaust repairs and Mobile assault Bridge. Unfortunately, due to budgetary constraints, they could not be taken up, however, experts from the Department of the Agency for armaments, research and Military Technologies, together with representatives of the land force, initiated with a view to carrying out these tasks prior to the design.
In December 2006, Romania selected the Piranha IIIC for deployment in Afghanistan and Iraq. The order was placed in May 2007. The sale of Swiss-made armored fighting vehicles to the Romanian army that will be used in Iraq came in for criticism from all sides. But according to the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco), there is nothing wrong with the destination or the material to be exported. Seco and the Swiss foreign ministry approved the sale of 31 Piranha armored vehicles to Romania produced by Swiss firm Mowag, as confirmed by the head of the company on Swiss television on Thursday. Mowag, which is based in Kreuzlingen in northeastern Switzerland, is owned by the US defense giant General Dynamics. According to the Swiss television news, the total arms deal is worth SFr62 million ($51.44 million).
As of 2008 Romania's strategic acquisition plan included six programs at a cost in excess of 17 billion Euros: Air Force--Multi-Role Fighters and Long-Range Air Defense; Army -- 8x8 Armored Personnel Carriers and 4x4 tactical vehicles; Navy--Corvettes (4) and Minesweepers (4). The Army programs involve domestic contractors, those of the Air Force do not, and the sourcing of the Navy programs is unclear.
IISS Military Balance 2000 2005 2010 2012 TOTAL 1,253 1,300 299 345 TR-85 314 93 54 54 TR-580 88 42 42 TR-77 227 T-55 821 717 164 249 T-72 30 |
Part of the problem surely derives from the fact that Romanian tanks [the various TR models] are all locally produced T-55 variants, and may get counted different ways in different years by different people. It is plausible that the T-55 inventory of tanks of Soviet manufacture might drop from 717 tanks in the year 2005 to 164 tanks in the year 2010, but improbable [or at least very un-American] that this number would go back up to 249 T-55 tanks in the year 2012. It is improbable that the TR-77, production of which started in 1977, would be briefly restored to service around the year 2005, only to be just as quickly withdrawn.
No small amount of bean-counting confusion results from the nomenclature associated with engine upgrades. Amateurs talk ammo, professionals talk engines. Janes notwithstanding, the TR-580 MBT is not exactly the same as the plain vanilla TR-77. The TR-77 was originally designed for a 580 Hp German engine, and when this failed to become available, a less powerful engine was substituted and some 205 tanks built to this standard. Once the 580 Hp engines became available [hence the TR-580 nomenclature] another 405 were built from 1979 to 1985 with the intended engine, according to authoritative Romanian Army sources. Janes claims that only 42 TR-580 MBTs were produced before production was completed, but this claim must be in error. Similarly, the upgraded TR-85M1 was produced in limited numbers, compared to the TR-85. The other complication is force structure instability, with previously retired tanks being returned to service as new tank units are activated.
Romanian Army tank battalions probably have about 50 tanks. As of 2010, the Romanian Army had about 300 tanks, of which about half [150+] were T-55, plus 50 each TR-580, TR-85 and TR-85M1. Battalion 114 Targoviste and Battalion 912 Murfatlar were being stood up in the year 2010, and both of these recently reactivated units were reported to have received Soviet-era T-55 tanks, rather than more recently constructed Romanian tanks [ a very un-American procedure]. One commentator noted that this " ... speaks volumes about the total lack of reliability of the Romanian made tanks - except for the upgraded Bison - and a silent confirmation of the fact that TR-580 is out of service and most non upgraded TR-85 are stored."
After 1989 the Romanian-made equipment was deactivated before the older imported Soviet equipment. This is some proof that the Soviet T-55 was more reliable, as the tanks with the worst technical condition were inactivated first. The TR-77/580 and TR-85 were not at the same level as the T-55 in terms of reliability, quality and combat performance. The Romanian tanks had high fuel and oil consumption. The tanks were assembled at 23 August plant (FMGS section, Fabrica de Masini Grele Speciale). The turrets were cast there, but the rest of the components came from different factories (Brasov, Drobeta Turnu Severin, Iasi etc). Some T-55s were modernized locally during the late 1980s to T-55AM (though not all of them). The T-55AM is a far more potent weapon than the TR-77/580 and TR-85, though in comparison with modern tanks, it was already obsolete in the 1980s.
By 1962 the first T-55 tanks began to be delivered to the Romanian Army. Even in 1989, numerically the T-55 remained the most numerous tank in Romanian service. About 100, or even less, in use today, out of more than 400 originally in inventory of which T-55AM and T55AM2 of Soviet production and somewhere around 50 pieces TR-580 of Romanian production. They are probably among the oldest and most outdated heavy armored equipment in the armed forces today.
When reducing the number of tanks equipping the army was a necessity, the (theoretically) more modern Romanian TR-77 and TR-85 tanks were cut from service, the T-55 became once again the most numerous tank in Romanian service. By one count some 95,000 T-55 tanks were manufactured in the Soviet Union until production ended in 1977. The T-55 holds the world record for the largest number of manufactured tanks, with the T-34 at second. Further numbers were built under licence in Poland, Czechoslovakia, and China. The T-55 was the product of a mature Soviet armor industry with over two decades of experience in the mass production of tanks, with a highly skilled labor force and reliable supply chain. All of these production factors were precisely what was lacking in Romania, where an inexperienced labor force grappled with low production rates of unstable designs at shifting production locations.
The TR-85 is the main battle tank developed in Romania based on the Soviet T-55 tank and produced between 1986 and 1990 in several hundred copies. There are currently around 150 such tanks in use, and they would be decommissioned once Romania starts acquiring new equipment.
TR-85M1 Bizonul is Romania's main (relatively) modern battle tank. A total of 54 units were made starting from the TR-85 model starting in 1997, although the TR-85M1 model is much different (modified chassis, different engine, new turret, new systems, stabilization, etc.). Currently almost all of them are in use in the Army, and will remain in service for a while even after Romania decides and buys new tanks (probably German Leopard 2 tanks).
Perhaps the main purchase that could be made in the coming years will be for the new main battle tank. Romania is part of the OMBT-Leo2 project launched by the European Defense Agency (EDA) in 2017, as part of the Pooling & Sharing initiative, with the aim of optimizing the main European battle tank, starting from the Leopard 2A4 platform that will be upgraded to the 2A7 variant. According to the statements of various officials, Romania could buy 60 such Leopard 2 tanks, of which 54 would be complete tanks and 6 only in a variant for training. TABC-79 - Light armored personnel carrier 4X4, multi-role, built in a number of 400 pieces. A number of these are also mortar vehicles. The model uses some components of the TAB-77. Armament, depending on the variant, consists of a 14.5 mm KPVT heavy machine gun and a twin 7.62 mm PKT machine gun. The carrier has a crew of three soldiers and can carry 4 more fully equipped soldiers. The vast majority, if not all, will be kept for a while longer and will be repaired considering that currently there is still no concrete plan by the Ministry of Defense to find and produce in Romania a 4X4 replacement. TAB-71 - About 400 were originally built - It is the Romanian-built version of the Soviet BTR-60 model. It is unclear how many such conveyors are still in use today, some estimates speak of around 100, others even more. Still, many of them have a gasoline engine, which is atypical for an armored vehicle. They are basically the first carriers to be retired once the Army receives newer vehicles. TAB-77 - about 150 were still in the Army's equipment. It is the version built in Romania of the Soviet model BTR-70. The main weapon is a 14.5mm heavy machine gun, and the secondary one is a 7.62mm machine gun, it can carry nine soldiers in addition to the two crew members and has a forward speed in water of 9 km/h. TAB B33 Bison - 8X8 - 69 units - were built in Romania based on a Soviet BTR-80 license. They are the newest of the old TABs and will remain in stock for a long time, especially since most, if not all, of them are undergoing or will undergo a major overhaul at the Moreni factory. The B33 Zimbru is an amphibious, 8X8, weighing approximately 14 tons, armed with a 14.5 mm heavy machine gun and a 7.62 mm machine gun. It can carry 10 soldiers, eight of whom are passengers. Mountain Hunter Fighting Vehicle - MLVM (Masina de Lupta a Vanatorilor de Munte) are armored tracked amphibious vehicles, armed with a heavy machine gun and which were manufactured in Romania in the 80s. In total there are about 75 units and all of them will go through a process of capital repairs, so that they will remain in the equipment of the army for a long time. There are also variants with a 120 mm mortar (bomb launcher), but also MEDEVAC. Romania acquired 31 8X8 Piranha IIIC armored personnel carriers with a 12.7 mm machine gun turret, as well as 12 derivatives. All Piranha 3C carriers are in the equipment of the NATO Multinational Brigade in Craiova, led by Romania. The Piranha 3C is an armored and amphibious transporter that can carry up to eight soldiers and weighs about 16 tons. STANAG 4569 protection level is 3/3a/3b. The 12 derived vehicles are Mobile Command Points, Mortars, Evacuation-Repair Tractors, Medical Evacuation Vehicles, CBRN Reconnaissance Vehicles. A total of 227 Piranha V were contracted, though none had reached the hands of the Army as of 2019. An 8X8 armored personnel carrier that will mostly also have an MLI role. Basically, the main version of the 227 purchased by Romania will be equipped with an automatic turret with a 30 mm cannon and a machine gun. To begin with, however, no Piranha 5 of this type with the Elbit UT-30 turret will have Spike anti-tank missile launchers mounted. At the moment, eight such transporters have been brought to Bucharest, but they have not yet been officially transferred to the Romanian forces. The Piranha 5 purchased by Romania weigh 33 tons and are not amphibious. They have a four-axis steering system and hydropneumatic suspension, and the STANAG 4569 protection level is 4/4a/4b. In addition to the purchase of 227 Piranha 5 armored personnel carriers, the vast majority of which are equipped with a 30mm gun turret and will play the role of MLI, the Army will also need to acquire approximately 300-400 amphibious 8X8 armored personnel carriers . Until recently, the Agilis project was in the foreground on this contract, a new transporter that had to be developed and built by the Germans from Rheinmetall with the Moreni Plant, but MApN screwed up along the way and still doesn't know if the project will be canceled or not. Another project provides for the modernization of another 48 MLI-84s to the "Jder" standard - upgrading the armor, mounting a new turret with a gun and anti-tank missiles. However, also with the change of plans in the Agilis project, MApN could decide to purchase from Rheinmetall no less than 173 MLI Puma armored vehicles, among the most modern such vehicles in the world. Even in 2018, MApN officials wanted to start the "emergency" program. If it were to go for the 173 Pumas, it could be one of the Army's most expensive programs, even more expensive than the 60 Leopard 2 tank acquisition program. At least three types of mortars used by the military, all of Romanian production from the communist period: M1988 (caliber 60mm), M1977 (caliber 82mm) and M1982 (caliber 120mm). Various artillery guns of Romanian production and different calibers: M82 (caliber 76mm) - over 100 units, M81 (caliber 152 mm) - over 300 units, M85 (caliber 152 mm) - about 100 units. M30 122 mm guns of Soviet origin - Somewhere between 100 and 200 units. A total of 72 Oerlikon 2x35 mm complex anti-aircraft guns bought from Switzerland and with which Romania has been participating in the NATO contingent in Poland for two years already. The guns stack and, along with the radars and audio equipment, are towed by Dac 6X6 trucks. Self-propelled anti-aircraft complex - GEPARD - 36 vehicles - is an armored, autonomous, self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery system with 2 35 mm caliber guns and its own radar, received from Germany in the early 2000s. The search radar has a range of 15 km and an effective firing range of 3.5 km. The rate of fire is 550 rounds/min per gun. MApN has been in discussions for several years for 45 attack helicopters for the Land Forces, a contract that could even reach over 2 billion euros once finalized - especially since the ambitions are that part of the assembly to it is done in the country. In pole position are the Americans from Bell with 24 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and 21 UH-1Y Venom multirole helicopters, helicopters that should be assembled at IAR Bra?ov. But Boeing could enter the race with the Apache helicopter, Sikorski (Lockheed Martin) with the famous Blackhawk, but also Airbus with the H145M model for attack and the H215M model for multirole.
Piranha V
In January 2018, the Romanian Ministry of Defense signed a framework agreement with GDELS for the delivery of 227 copies of Piranha V wheeled combat vehicles in six different versions, worth 868 million euros. According to the contract, the first 36 vehicles will reach Romania in 2918 and will be bought from Switzerland, while the rest of 179 will be made at the Uzina Mecanica in Bucharest (Bucharest Mechanical Plant). According to the Romanian Defense minister, Mihai Fifor, the contract is extremely important, as it will generate consistent sums for the defense industry and will re-launch the activity of a traditional local defense factory, meaning the Bucharest’s Uzina Mecanica. According to the provisions of this Agreement and the Offset Program, the vast majority of carriers for Romania's needs will be produced in local factories thanks to the transfer of technology and the launch of its own production line by the Romanian UMB. The Piranha V is the latest version of the Piranha family of wheeled combat vehicles developed by GDELS (formerly MOWAG GmbH). The development of the PIRANHA V is being carried out by General Dynamics UK and Mowag of Switzerland (part of the General Dynamics European Land Combat Systems group). The manufacture of the first PIRANHA V prototype was completed by the end of 2008. The car can be configured according to the needs of the user and is equipped with a manned or unmanned turret with an automatic gun, while in the infantry transport version – with a remotely controlled firing position or a simpler rotating plate with weapons. The basic level of ballistic resistance corresponds to IV according to STANAG 4569, and after upgrading to level V according to STANAG 4569, respectively, with the MTU 6V199 TE21 or Scania DC13 engine with a power of 577 to 644 horsepower. With a weight of 33 tons, it is possible to develop 100 km / h on the road with an autonomy of 1000 km and 10 km / h in water. To date, this structure has had three export recipients. Currently, Denmark has ordered 309 examples of this model and another 348 examples from Spain. Romania is another export destination for this vehicle. The Piranha V of the Romanian Land Forces will replace the large fleet of obsolete and badly degraded wheeled combat vehicles from the Warsaw Pact era. These include, among others, wheeled armored personnel carriers TAB-71 (authorized, modified Soviet BTR-60), reconnaissance vehicles TABC-79 and TAB-77 (authorized, modified Soviet BTR-70), in total their number would it could reach several hundred, according to some sources. This is complemented by dozens of newer Piranha IIIC vehicles, which Romania acquired after joining NATO and used, among other things, in foreign missions. The next batch of Piranha V armored personnel carriers that will enter the equipment of the Romanian armed forces will be equipped with autonomous mortars of the Cardom Spear type, of caliber 120 mm, by Elbit Systems, which will be produced in Romania. Elmet Group presented at Black Sea Defense & Aerospace 2022 (BSDA) the Cardom launcher, which will be produced in Romania in Bacau. The Cardom is a 120 mm mortar developed by Elbit Systems that can hit targets at over 7 kilometers. It can also integrate smart ammunition guided by GPS, which at the moment is not used in Romania. A modification of the software, however, would allow the use of this type of ammunition as well. General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) started on 06 November 2019 the production of PIRANHA 5 vehicles at the factory of its strategic Romanian partner Uzina Mecanica Bucure?ti (UMB) which marks an important milestone in the PIRANHA 5 Program for the Romanian Army. With production progressing as planned, by 2022 over 60 locally produced PIRANHA 5 vehicles had been delivered by GDELS to the Romanian Army since the program was launched. On 15 March 2022, General Dynamics European Land Systems` local company GDELS-Romania (GDELS-RO) signed an agreement for the creation of an industrial consortium with its strategic Romanian partner, C.N. ROMARM Uzina Mecanica Bucuresti (UMB), which marks a key milestone for the establishment of a national production capability for wheeled armored vehicles in Romania. The signing ceremony took place in the newly established vehicle production facility at UMB in Bucharest. The signature of the industrial consortium between GDELS-RO and UMB will bring this strategic cooperation between General Dynamics and Romania to a next level and is intended to assure the security of supply of PIRANHA 5 vehicles in the country. "The strategic cooperation between GDELS and the UMB is an excellent example on how we plan to modernize our Armed Forces with modern technology. It also represents a great opportunity for our Romanian economy to strengthen and sustain our national industry base in this important segment including export opportunities. I am proud to say, that 80% of the investment we take in this project will return to the benefit of our local economy.” stated Prime Minister of Romania, Mr. Ludovic Orban.MLVM (Masina de Lupta a Vanatorilor de Munte)
Mountain Hunter Fighting Vehicle - MLVM (Masina de Lupta a Vanatorilor de Munte) are armored tracked amphibious vehicles, armed with a heavy machine gun. A light tracked armored vehicle specially developed for the Romanian Army Mountain Infantry (vânatori de munte). It is used for troop transport and logistical support in mountainous areas. Manufactured in Romania in the 80s, in total there are about 75 units and all of them will go through a process of capital repairs, so that they will remain in the equipment of the army for a long time. There are also variants with a 120 mm mortar (bomb launcher), but also MEDEVAC. The MLVM is an armored, tracked, amphibious combat vehicle designed and manufactured in Romania. Although the vehicle designation within the Romanian Army is similar to an infantry fighting vehicle, the MLVM is classified as a tracked armored personnel carrier by the UN and the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) due to its armor and light armament. The armored vehicle is based on the chassis of the Soviet SU-76 self-propelled gun, manufactured during World War II. The MLVM is a specialized vehicle intended for mountain hunter formations . The hull is similar to the Soviet BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle, but is substantially modified. The turret mounted on the MLVM is the one also used on the TAB-71 armored personnel carrier . The vehicle was specially designed for use in the mountainous areas of the country. The car has a good angular body, the body and the tower are made of all-welded rolled armor with anti-bullet and anti-splinter protection and have a large angle of the upper frontal sheet. The lower frontal bronelist is also installed at a large angle, making the wedge-shaped bow of the BMP. Armament consists of a 14.5 mm KPVT heavy machine gun and a twin 7.62 mm PKT machine gun . The equipped weapon does not have a stabilization system. Due to its limited firepower, the MLVM cannot be classified as an infantry fighting vehicle. [7] The mountain hunter group also carries an AG-7 anti-tank grenade launcher. The armor is welded steel plates and provides protection against 7.62 mm bullets and artillery shells. Suspension is torsion bar type. The buckets (six on each track) are drilled to reduce weight. The MLVM is an amphibious vehicle, being propelled at a maximum speed of 5-6 km/h in water by means of tracks. Before crossing rivers or lakes (although amphibious, the MLVM is not designed for sea landing), the breakwater plate must be raised. The internal arrangement is similar to the Soviet model BMP-1. In the front, on the left, is the driving mechanic. It has three daytime observation periscopes at its disposal. Optionally, a night vision system can be fitted. Behind the driving engineer is the commander. Both have an access shutter above, in the ceiling. The vehicle commander has three battlefield observation periscopes at his disposal. One of these can be raised to scout long-range targets. The commander also has a night vision system (infrared). The scout, who is also the commander of the mountain hunter group, sits in the middle of the vehicle in the turret area. There are three soldiers on each side of the landing room. They each have a daytime sighting periscope with which they can shoot through the embrasures on the sides of the vehicle. At the back is the access door which can also be used as an additional tank. The door has two embrasures and two periscopes so that mountain hunters can fire behind the vehicle. An upgrade package similar to the MLI-84M was proposed for the MLVM.Drawing on its experience in developing a major service pack for MLI-84 (a local version of the Soviet BMP-1), the Romanian company Autonoma Arsenalul has developed an extensive service pack for the Romanian MLVM. The purpose of this update is to increase the overall efficiency of MLVM, reduce operating costs, increase its firepower and “fit” the vehicle to NATO standards. The current MLVM is equipped with a horizontally and vertically controlled turret due to mechanical drives. Armament is clearly not enough to perform the tasks that fall in the modern battle for a similar machine. Therefore, the combat unit was replaced with a module developed with the help of the Israeli Rafael Armament Development Authority with the installation of the 25-mm OWS 25R and two Spike ATGMs. To increase the survivability on the battlefield, MLVM was supplied with a warning system for laser irradiation. This informs the crew through a light and sound warning system about the type of radiation, the direction of the threat. And also automatically launches aerosol grenades. To do this, there are six 81 mm smoke grenade launchers installed three pieces on each side. The warning system for laser irradiation has automatic and manual modes of operation and is mounted on the site of the commander. The infrared surveillance device has now been replaced with the 2 generation EC2-55 thermal imager developed in collaboration with the French SAGEM-ODS. This is an increase in 3 and 24° field of view. Thermal imager . EC2-55 can detect objects at a distance of 1600 m and recognize objects at a distance of 600 meters. To improve communication, the existing radio communication systems have been replaced by a new system manufactured in collaboration with Thales UK. The engine is replaced by a German Mercedes-Benz or Deutz with water cooling from 340 to 400 hp, connected to an automatic transmission. The speed increased from 48 to 65 km / h, and the power reserve increased to 800 km. Specific power also increased from 17.11 hp / t in the standard BMP to 30-35 hp / t in the modernized machine. An EADS S&D L'Hotellier fire suppression system was installed. It includes two independent subsystems that provide fast and effective fire detection and extinguishing in all departments. Water speed increased from 6 to 15 km / h. Following the improvement of armament, the vehicle could be classified as an infantry fighting vehicle. The result of the modernization program was a vehicle compatible with NATO standards . A prototype was shown at the Expomil 2005 military technology and armaments exhibition. MLVM Type Armored troop carrier Place of origin Romania Operational history In use late 1980s - present Production history Producer Mizil Mechanical Plant (first 40 vehicles [1] ) UTB [2] [3] (rest of vehicles) Production year 1986 - 1988 General data Weight 9 tons Length 5.85 m Width 2.71 m Height 1.95 m Crew 2 Passengers 7 soldiers Armor provides protection against 7.62 mm rounds Main armament 1 × KPVT 14.5mm heavy machine gun, 600 rounds Secondary armament 1 × PKT 7.62mm machine gun 2500 rounds Motor Model Saviem 798-05M2, diesel, 115 kW 154 HP Suspension torsion bars Tank capacity 480 l (360 liters internal and 120 liters door) Autonomy about 700 km Full speed 48 km/h Variants MLVM during a demonstration of mountain hunters from the 22nd "Cire?oaia" Battalion, Sfântu Gheorghe . MLVM AR - Version fitted with a 120 mm Model 1982 bomb launcher installed in the landing chamber. During firing, the two large shutters on the side are open. The mortar can be removed from the vehicle as needed. MLVM ABAL - Vehicle intended for the transport of ammunition (maximum 2.1 tons). The turret is missing, and armament consists of a PKT machine gun mounted near the commander's porthole. Standard features: NBC protection, fire suppression system and enhanced communications equipment. MLVM MEDEVAC - Medical evacuation and first aid vehicle. The superstructure and armament are similar to the ABAL version. Usage
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