Romanian Army Plans TR-85M1 Tank Upgrade
Modernisation programme to enhance situational awareness and bridge gap until new MBT introduction
The Romanian Army is preparing to upgrade its ageing TR-85M1 main battle tank (MBT) fleet, according to Major Suhan Ionut, chief of the Armor Directorate in the Romanian Land Force Staff. Speaking at the SAE Media Group’s Future Armoured Vehicles Situational Awareness (FAVSA) 2023 conference in London on 24–25 April, he noted that the upgrade programme is intended to serve as an interim solution until a new MBT is introduced, with testing of the upgraded vehicles potentially beginning as early as 2024.
Although the full scope of the programme is still being defined, planned enhancements include improved situational awareness systems, an automatic fire suppression system, and a new gun stabilisation system. The situational awareness upgrades are expected to feature advanced optics, including thermal imagers, and integrated communications systems to enable more effective coordination with the Romanian Army’s Piranha V 8×8 armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs).
The upgrade may also incorporate the Battle Command and Control Application (BC2A), developed by Romanian company Interactive Software. Configured for use up to the company level, BC2A provides commanders with a real-time operational picture, supporting faster and more effective decision-making in joint operations.
Source: Janes & XAirForces News, 27 April 2023
Photo: The TR-85M1 MBT, an upgraded version of the TR-85, entered service with the Romanian army, starting in 1997. It is among the least capable MBTs serving in NATO, with lower capabilities in firepower, mobility, and survivability compared with its peers.. (Photo by Janes/Mark Cazalet)
Editor: Bogdan Gabriel Curcea (Balkanian ©XAirForces News Editor from Romania and Serbia)
