Romania is quietly following closely its neighbors to build a powerful ground force
In 2017, Romania signed a 900 million euro contract with General Dynamics European Land Systems
to purchase and manufacture 227 Piranha V armored personnel carriers in Romania
About 94 units have been delivered by the end of 2022
On February 10, 2023 it was announced that Romania would purchase 150 more Piranha Vs at an estimated cost of US$674 million
Romania's procurement program in addition to 150 APCs will include logistical support and training equipment
The Piranha V Infantry Fighting Vehicle is one variant of the fifth generation of the Mowag Piranha family
The vehicle is rated among the best armored vehicles in the world based on firepower, protection and maneuverability
Piranha V is a further development of the previous Piranha IV, first revealed in 2010
Its operators include Denmark, Monaco, Spain, Switzerland, and Romania
The Piranha V is better protected than its predecessors, with an all-welded steel armor hull, integrated add-on composite modular armor
The baseline version provides all-round protection against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds and artillery shell splinters
Also there is growth potential for armor protection
Maximum armor level provides all-round protection against 25 mm armor-piercing projectiles
Piranha V is available with MTU 6V199 TE21 or Scania DC13 engine options, with capacities ranging from 577 to 644 hp
The maximum road speed can be achieved up to 100 km/h, and 10 km/h on water
The maximum range is up to 1,000 km
The system is built on an 8x8 chassis, with the latest height adjustable suspension technology
which endows the vehicle with an extraordinary level of cross-country mobility
Piranha V can be compatible with a wide range of weapon systems to suit mission requirements
It can be either 12.7mm, 25mm, 30mm or 105mm low recoil guns, including Rheinmetall Landsysteme weapon station
with a 12.7mm gun and Delco Systems 25mm and 30mm turrets
The system provides fast secure tactical digital communications and enhanced situational awareness with automatic location and navigation reporting
In some respects, the Piranha V can even outperform older infantry fighting vehicles
such as the American M2 Bradley, the British Warrior or the Russian BMP-2
The Piranha V has a crew of 2-3 and accommodates 8-9 troops, depending on the mission variant
Troops enter and leave the vehicle via rear ramp or roof hatches
The Piranha V can be airlifted by the Airbus A400M without preparation