Romania’s defense ministry has submitted a request to Parliament for approval of the next stage of its armored vehicle modernization program. The effort is central to the country’s strategy to replace aging Soviet-era tanks, strengthen NATO interoperability, and bolster its overall defense posture in Eastern Europe.
The plan moves forward in several phases. Stage I, Phase 2, worth approximately $458 million, will equip a full armored battalion with M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks, along with supporting ammunition, machine guns, spares, training tools, and logistics. Phase II, estimated at €6.48 billion ($7.6 billion), calls for the purchase of 216 Abrams tanks and 76 derivative vehicles. The package also includes extensive training and education facilities, as well as logistics support. In a departure from earlier procurements, Phase II is expected to emphasize industrial cooperation, enabling production and maintenance capabilities within Romania.
This request builds on Romania’s 2023 deal under Stage I, Phase 1, in which it purchased 54 Abrams SEPv3 tanks and 12 derivative chassis from US Army inventories for just over $1 billion. Deliveries from that contract are scheduled to continue until 2028. The expanded program demonstrates Romania’s long-term investment in armored forces modernization under its Armed Forces Transformation Program extending through 2040.
The Abrams SEPv3 main battle tank is the most modern US configuration, featuring reinforced armor protection, advanced electronics, and improved energy efficiency. Defense officials argue the acquisition will enable Romania to meet NATO capability benchmarks and significantly strengthen its armored forces amid heightened security concerns triggered by Russia’s war in Ukraine. If approved, this would represent one of Romania’s most ambitious defense purchases in recent decades.
