Romanian troops deployed in the theater of operations in Afghanistan started implementing a program for the use of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and for the training of their Romanian drivers.

The first eight MRAPs have just been supplied to the the 811th 'Dragonii Transilvani' Maneuver Battalion and the 812th 'Soimii Carpatilor' Maneuver Battalion deployed in Zabul Province.

The armored vehicles are part of the 60 MRAP vehicles the USA made available for the Romanian troops deployed in Afghanistan. The offer came in response to the request made by Romanian defence minister Mr. Gabriel Oprea to the United States Secretary of Defense, Mr. Robert Gates.

MRAP vehicles are fully equipped, have an increased mobility and speed and can engage in fighting for longer periods of time.

Ever since he took over his mandate as defence minister, Mr. Gabriel Oprea made a priority of the protection of Romanian soldiers` lives, especially those deployed to Afghanistan, as missions there involve higher risks.

The troops of the 811th 'Dragonii Transilvani' and the 812th 'Soimii Carpatilor' Maneuver Battalions will use MRAPs which will confer them increased protection against improvised explosive devices, compared to the soft-skinned HUMVEE.

MoND Press Office