Romanian Army Equipped with MRAP Vehicles in Afghanistan

Romanian military forces in Afghanistan have been equipped with mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles for the first time as part of the MRAP programme, the National Defence Ministry has said.

The US has offered a batch of 60 MRAP vehicles for use by the troops in Afghanistan at the request of Romanian National Defence Minister Gabriel Oprea.

The vehicle will provide troops with increased protection against improvised explosive device attacks and small-calibre guns.

The first eight vehicles will equip the 811th Dragons and the 812th Eagles battalions in the province of Zabul, according to Financialrul.ro.

The Romanian Army has about 1,600 troops stationed in Afghanistan that are involved in the reconstruction of the country, training the National Afghan Army and providing humanitarian support.