WASHINGTON, July 27, 2023 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Romania of sixteen (16) Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $120.5 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
The Government of Romania has requested to buy sixteen (16) Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs), Personnel Variant (AAVP-7A1); three (3) Assault Amphibious Vehicles, Command Variant (AAVC-7Al); two (2) Assault Amphibious Vehicles, Recovery Variant (AAVR-7Al); sixteen (16) 50 Cal Machine Guns (Heavy Barrel); and five (5) 7.62 mm M240B Machine Guns. Also included are MK-19 Grenade Launchers; M36E T1 Thermal Sighting Systems (TSS); supply support (spare parts); support equipment (including special mission kits/Enhanced Applique Kits (EAAK)); training, unclassified technical manuals, technical data package, engineering and technical support and assistance (including Contractor Engineering Technical Services (CETS)); and other related elements of program and logistics support. The total estimated program cost is $120.5 million.
Rumänien wäre, nach Italien und Griechenland, der dritte Nutzer in Europa (Das italienische Verteidigungsministerium ist gerade dabei, die AAV-7 der Marina Militare zu ersetzen.).
U.S. and Romania Mark Arrival of Amphibious Assault Vehicles, Strengthening NATO’s Eastern Flank
September 28, 2026
The United States and Romania celebrated the delivery of the first nine Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAVs) to Romania, marking a major milestone in U.S.-Romanian defense cooperation and bolstering NATO security on the Black Sea coast and along the eastern flank of the alliance.
The arrival of the AAVs, military vehicles designed to carry troops and equipment directly from naval ships during amphibious combat in Babadag, Tulcea County, initiates specialized technical training to bring the new capability into active service. Designed for demanding terrain and complex missions, the AAVs provide critical mobility and adaptability particularly well suited for operations the Danube Delta and the Black Sea coast.
Ambassador Nirenberg highlighted he important role of the United States Marine Corps in coordinating the logistics and providing operational expertise for long-term vehicle maintenance and deployment. He also commended the leadership of the Romanian government, military officials, and the personnel of the 307th Marine Infantry Regiment “Heracleea” tasked with operating the fleet.
The Assault Amphibious Vehicle, AAV7A1 is designed to carry up to 21 combat-loaded Marines and equipment from ocean naval vessels to hostile shores, and their combination of marine water jets and heavy land tracks ensures that troops remain protected while transitioning from rough surf to inland terrain.
