Romania orders 24 Spanish VAMTAC ST5 BN2 4x4 armored vehicles for logistic reinforcement.

According to information published by the Profit website, Romania’s leading business and economic news platform, on June 5, 2025, the Romanian Ministry of National Defense (MApN), via its state-owned defense procurement agency Romtehnica, has awarded a contract to Spanish manufacturer Uro Vehículos Especiales S.A. (UROVESA) for the supply of 24 VAMTAC ST5 BN2 armored tactical vehicles. The contract, awarded through a negotiated procedure without prior tender notice, ensures the delivery of the vehicles to Military Unit 01145 in Roman, Neamț County, which operates under the 3rd Logistics Base "Zargidava" of the Romanian Armed Forces.
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Spanish-made VAMTAC ST5 light tactical vehicle displayed by the Spanish Ministry of Defense during FEINDEF 2025 defense exhibition in Madrid. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The VAMTAC, short for Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico, is Spain’s answer to the U.S. Humvee wheeled light tactical vehicle, developed by the Spanish Company UROVESA since the early 1990s. It is a battle-proven, high-mobility tactical platform designed to operate across extreme terrains and harsh environments. Featuring a 4x4 configuration with independent suspension and a robust ladder chassis, the VAMTAC has become a mainstay in the Spanish Armed Forces and has been exported to over 25 countries in various roles including troop transport, reconnaissance, medevac, and special operations.

The ST5 is the latest and most advanced generation of the VAMTAC family. The BN2 variant ordered by Romania features integrated ballistic and mine protection, offering NATO STANAG Level 1 to Level 2 protection levels, depending on configuration. Equipped with a 188 hp diesel engine from Steyr, the ST5 BN2 reaches speeds of 135 km/h and offers a range of over 600 kilometers. It can transport up to four fully equipped soldiers and supports mission-specific upgrades such as remote weapon stations, communication suites, or medical evacuation modules.

With a gross vehicle weight of around 5.3 tons and a payload capacity of up to 1.5 tons, the VAMTAC ST5 BN2 combines mobility, survivability, and flexibility in a compact tactical form. Its deployment to the Zargidava logistics base indicates its intended use in support and escort roles, reinforcing Romania’s logistical operations in both national and allied missions.

UROVESA has recently achieved notable success in international markets. In 2024, Spain confirmed the delivery of URO VAMTAC 4x4 multi-purpose armored vehicles to Ukraine, supporting its military efforts. Additionally, the New Zealand Defence Force received its first prototype URO VAMTAC ST5 vehicle in May 2025, marking the beginning of a project to replace its operational vehicle fleet with 60 new VAMTAC ST5 Light and CK3 Medium-sized utility vehicles.

The URO VAMTAC has been adopted by numerous countries worldwide, including Spain, Morocco, Portugal, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Oman, the Dominican Republic, Ghana, Mali, Singapore, and Ukraine. This widespread adoption underscores the vehicle's versatility and reliability in various operational contexts.

This acquisition not only modernizes Romania’s tactical vehicle fleet but also strengthens industrial ties between Romania and Spain. It represents another step in aligning Romanian capabilities with NATO standards, particularly in terms of tactical mobility and force protection. Army Recognition will continue to monitor developments surrounding the VAMTAC ST5 BN2 integration and future defense collaborations between Romania and UROVESA.