As reported by Defence Industry Europe on May 4, 2025, the Romanian Ministry of National Defence (MApN) is expected to sign a contract in 2025 for the acquisition of 246 tracked infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). The agreement is part of a two-phase program aimed at procuring nearly 300 IFVs in total. The first phase, which includes training simulators and initial logistical support, is estimated to cost over €2.5 billion, while the complete procurement of 298 vehicles could approach €3 billion. The new IFVs are intended for the Romanian Land Forces and are expected to be delivered over an eight-year period.
The Ministry has categorized this program as a priority, specifically designed to enhance the mobility, firepower, and battlefield protection of mechanized infantry units. Romania currently operates approximately 142 tracked IFVs, most of which are MLI-84s and MLI-84M “Jderul” variants. The MLI-84 was developed during the 1980s based on a Soviet BMP-1 chassis, while the MLI-84M upgrade program was launched in the mid-1990s to bring the platform closer to NATO standards. Despite these upgrades, the platforms are now considered technologically outdated, and the Ministry has assessed that their replacement is necessary to meet current operational requirements and NATO interoperability standards.
The objective of the program is to increase the number of tracked IFVs in service by approximately 50%, with the final figure projected at nearly 300 units. The initial procurement of 246 vehicles is the first stage of a phased approach.