Romania to Acquire 150 Piranha 5 Armored Vehicles in 2025 as Part of €8 Billion Military Upgrade
The Romanian Ministry of National Defense plans to sign €8 billion($8.32 billion) worth of defense contracts in 2025 to modernize its military. A major part of this plan is the purchase of 150 additional Piranha 5 8×8 armored vehicles. This move aims to enhance Romania’s defense capabilities and strengthen its armed forces. By upgrading its military, Romania is reinforcing its commitment to national security and NATO standards.
The Piranha 5 is a state-of-the-art 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle developed by General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS). It is designed for high mobility, strong protection, and versatile mission capabilities. With a modular design, the Piranha 5 can be configured for various roles, including infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), command post, and medical evacuation. Its enhanced survivability and firepower make it a top choice for modern military operations.
The initial procurement began in 2017 as part of Romania’s broader strategy to replace its outdated Soviet-era military hardware and align its forces with NATO standards. The first batch of Piranha 5 vehicles was delivered in 2019. As of May 2024, significant progress has been made in the Piranha 5 program. GDELS and UMB announced the completion of 47 Romanian-produced Piranha 5 vehicles, with 68 more in production and an additional order for 150 vehicles. This progress highlights Romania’s commitment to military modernization and strengthening its defense industry through local production and strategic partnerships.
The Piranha 5 is an advanced 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle designed for mobility, protection, and versatility. Its modular design supports multiple configurations, including infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), command post, and medical evacuation unit. Built with composite and steel armor and a V-shaped monocoque hull, it offers high ballistic and blast protection against mines and IEDs.
The Piranha 5 is a powerful 8×8 armored vehicle weighing 60,000 pounds (27,216 kg) and measuring 26 feet (8 meters) long. It can carry up to eight passengers and offers strong ballistic protection with 14.5 mm to 25 mm resistant armor. Its main weapons vary based on mission needs, including a 12.7mm machine gun, 30mm autocannon, 120mm mortar, or anti-tank missile launcher. The Piranha 5 is powered by an MTU or Scania engine with up to 644 horsepower, reaching speeds of 62 mph (100 km/h) and a range of 340 miles (547 km). It is equipped with advanced communication and battlefield management systems, the Piranha 5 enhances situational awareness. It also features amphibious capabilities, making it highly adaptable for modern military operations.