Montenegro has begun renewing its military logistics fleet with the arrival of 31 Iveco Eurocargo vehicles supplied by Italy. The shipment represents the first delivery under a defense arrangement intended to strengthen the Balkan country’s military transport infrastructure. The vehicles comprise Eurocargo MLL150 and M170 configurations, which have been selected for troop transportation and the movement of materiel across difficult and off-road environments. The complete agreement between Montenegro and Italy provides for the acquisition of up to 86 platforms valued at nearly 20 million euros ($23.1 million). Financing for the procurement is being provided through a loan from a Montenegrin bank. A further 55 platforms are planned for delivery by the end of the year. The second batch will consist of more troop-carrying trucks along with specialized water and fuel tankers, which are scheduled to be delivered to the Milovan Šaranović barracks in Danilovgrad. In addition to the vehicles themselves, the contract package includes spare parts, diagnostic tools, sustainment training, and a two-year warranty. The new trucks are being introduced as Montenegro works to replace heavy vehicles that have been inherited from the former Yugoslav People’s Army. Many of those legacy trucks have been in service for more than 30 years, making fleet modernization an important requirement for maintaining reliable military mobility. The new vehicles are also expected to provide benefits beyond conventional defense operations. According to defense officials, the upgraded fleet will strengthen Montenegro’s civil protection capabilities and provide additional transportation resources during crisis and emergency situations. The Eurocargo family is designed to operate in demanding conditions and is available in both 4×4 and 4×2 configurations. Its maximum weight can reach 18 tonnes (39,683 pounds), depending on the selected configuration and mission setup. Electronically controlled air suspension assists the vehicle in maintaining clearance while carrying different cargo loads. Propulsion is provided by either Tector 5 or Tector 7 diesel engines, with power outputs ranging from 160 to 320 horsepower. The Eurocargo has a stated top speed of 110 kilometers (68 miles) per hour, giving the Montenegrin military a modern logistics platform for both routine transportation and demanding field operations.
