Romanian Marines are actively building experience with AAV-7 amphibious assault vehicles, training alongside US Marines during the NATO-led Exercise Sea Breeze 26. This crucial training near Babadag, Romania, is part of Romania’s ongoing procurement programme to strengthen its marine forces with platforms designed for complex littoral environments.
Enhancing Littoral Capabilities with AAV-7s
The AAV-7 amphibious assault vehicle is a tracked platform designed for operations across water, difficult coastal terrain, and inland routes. US Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Nishan Campbell described the AAV-P7 as a “ship-to-shore and inland asset” and “a fantastic river-crossing asset,” highlighting its versatility. Weighing approximately 27 tons, the vehicle can carry around 12 Marines in its rear compartment and operate in sea state 3 conditions.
Romania is acquiring these vehicles to enhance the mobility, protection, and direct fire support for its Marines. Romanian Army Colonel Marius Gheorghescu explained that the procurement programme was launched to find a mobility solution for challenging environments such as the Danube Delta, lagoon, and swamp areas, and Romania’s Black Sea coastline. He stated, “It also offered more than a mobility solution: the protection by armour and also the direct fire support for troops in close battles.”
Romania’s AAV-7 Procurement Programme
Colonel Gheorghescu detailed Romania’s acquisition plans, noting that an initial batch will consist of 21 amphibious assault vehicles. These vehicles are intended to cover one battalion for transportation and amphibious operations. A second batch is currently in progress, which will bring 44 more amphibious assault vehicles to the Romanian Marines.
US Marines, with decades of experience operating the AAV-7, are providing valuable training to Romanian personnel, teaching both vehicle operation and effective tactical employment. Footage from the exercise showed Romanian and US Marines preparing vehicles, maneuvering across dirt and off-road tracks, disembarking to engage static targets, and moving through areas with old tank targets.
Sea Breeze 26: A Multinational Exercise
Exercise Sea Breeze 26 was led by the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet and hosted by the Romanian Naval Forces and the 307th Marine Infantry Regiment “Heracleea.” The exercise involved approximately 450 military personnel from four NATO Allies—Bulgaria, Romania, Türkiye, and the United States—alongside partner nations Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine. The drills underscore the collaborative effort to enhance regional security and interoperability in the Black Sea region.
What is the AAV-7 amphibious assault vehicle?
The AAV-7 is a tracked amphibious assault vehicle designed for ship-to-shore and inland operations. It weighs about 27 tons, can carry around 12 Marines, and operates in sea state 3 conditions.
Why is Romania acquiring AAV-7s?
Romania is acquiring AAV-7s to strengthen the mobility, protection, and direct fire support for its Marines, particularly for operations in complex littoral environments like the Danube Delta, lagoons, swamps, and the Black Sea coastline.
Who participated in Exercise Sea Breeze 26?
Exercise Sea Breeze 26 involved approximately 450 military personnel from four NATO Allies (Bulgaria, Romania, Türkiye, and the United States) and three partner nations (Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine).
