Romania partners with Germany’s ACS for next-gen airborne armoured vehicles

Romania has finalised a contract with the German defence manufacturer ACS Armoured Car Systems GmbH for the acquisition of Enok AB (Airborne) armoured vehicles, according to the official portal of the Romanian Ministry of Defence. 

The agreement was announced during the Southeast Europe Special Operations Forces Forum (SEESOF), held in the Romanian city of Târgu Mureș.

According to the statement issued by ACS during the forum, the vehicles to be delivered to Romania are specially adapted variants of the Enok AB, designed for mobile anti-tank defence operations.

“The Romanian Armed Forces have signed a contract with ACS Armoured Car Systems GmbH (ACS) for the acquisition of an unspecified number of Enok AB (Airborne) vehicles, specifically adapted to carry out mobile anti-tank defence operations. This acquisition highlights a strategic focus on strengthening mobile defence capabilities,” the company said.

The vehicles will be assigned to elite units within the Romanian military. The delivery of the Enok AB vehicles is scheduled for 2026.

The Enok AB is a lightweight, air-transportable armoured vehicle developed by ACS for use by airborne and special operations forces. Based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class chassis, the Enok AB combines high mobility with a compact design and robust protection. It is capable of being transported by helicopters such as the CH-47 Chinook or sling-loaded under medium-lift helicopters, making it ideal for rapid deployment in remote or rugged environments. The vehicle is equipped with modular armour and can be fitted with various weapons systems, including remote-controlled weapon stations, making it suitable for reconnaissance, convoy protection, and anti-tank roles.

The acquisition of these specialised vehicles is part of Romania’s broader effort to modernise and enhance its military capabilities in light of evolving regional security concerns. In late April, Romania’s acting president Ilie Bolojan, announced that Bucharest plans to gradually increase its defence budget by 2030 to improve national defence readiness.

Meanwhile, president-elect Nicușor Dan has proposed an even more ambitious increase. During his election campaign, Dan emphasised that Romania’s defence spending should be raised to 3.5% of GDP by 2030, compared to the current 2.5%, as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen the country's deterrence and interoperability with NATO allies.

By Tamilla Hasanova