Romanian Army Strengthens Tactical Mobility with Order of 50 Polaris DAGOR Ultralight Tactical Vehicles
On July 11, 2023, Polaris Government and Defense Vehicles won a contract to supply Romania with over 50 ultralight tactical vehicles, DAGOR. These vehicles will enhance the tactical mobility of the Romanian armed forces in the face of current and emerging threats. Romania will receive the vehicles through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program of the U.S. government.
Polaris Government and Defense is a division of Polaris Inc., an American company specializing in the design and manufacture of all-terrain vehicles. The Government and Defense division specifically focuses on providing tactical mobility solutions for military forces, law enforcement agencies, and other government organizations.
The U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program plays a crucial role in supplying the Polaris DAGOR ultralight tactical vehicles to Romania. Romania’s participation in the FMS demonstrates its commitment to interoperability with the armed forces of the United States and other allied countries within NATO.
The FMS is an essential cooperation and partnership mechanism that enables foreign countries to acquire U.S. military equipment through government-to-government contracts. Through this program, Romania will be able to benefit from American expertise and technology to strengthen its defense capabilities and address current and future security challenges.
By opting for the FMS, Romania enjoys several significant advantages. Firstly, the program offers a simplified and transparent acquisition process, facilitating negotiations and transactions between governments. Additionally, the FMS ensures a high level of quality and reliability of the supplied equipment, thanks to the strict standards and controls imposed by the U.S. government.
In addition to supplying the DAGOR vehicles, the contract through the FMS also includes the necessary equipment and spare parts, as well as operator and maintenance training. This will enable the Romanian armed forces to benefit from comprehensive support and increased autonomy in the operation and maintenance of the vehicles.
What is the Polaris DAGOR?
The Polaris DAGOR is a proven and reliable ultralight all-terrain vehicle that offers exceptional mobility and a payload of up to 4,000 pounds (1,814 kilograms). It is designed with commercially available off-the-shelf components, making it easier to operate, maintain, and support in the field.
The DAGOR can be rapidly deployed and is compatible with airdrops, helicopter sling load, and internal tactical airlift on CH-47 and CH-53 helicopters, as well as internal transport aboard the C-130 Hercules.
It is also powered by a commercial turbo-diesel JP8 engine along with electronic power steering and intuitive control systems. The diesel engine provides better mission adaptability, as it can use fuel that is more widely available than refined petrol. Diesel engines also provide more torque for demanding travel over rugged terrain with substantial loads.
The DAGOR also features a flexible and modular design that allows it to adapt to various missions and threats. Its open cargo platform provides maximum cargo space and great flexibility for mission-essential equipment. Its significant ground clearance, even at full payload, provides the improved obstacle-crossing capability and enhances its off-road mobility.
As reported by the Army Recognition editorial team recently on 28/04/2023 and29/06/2023, Polaris vehicles are used by U.S. forces, the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM), and several European armies, demonstrating their interoperability and field performance. They are considered force multipliers, extending mission range while reducing operator fatigue and enhancing operational availability and capabilities.
Polaris has also previously supplied additional all-terrain vehicles to Romania, such as the MV850 and MRZR turbo diesel. These vehicles are designed for austere environments and enable Romanian fighters to move effectively in challenging off-road conditions.
In summary, the Polaris DAGOR ultralight tactical vehicles will provide Romania with improved tactical mobility. They are recognized for their reliability, versatility, and ability to transport heavy payloads in challenging environments. These vehicles are part of Polaris’ range of light military vehicles, used by over 50 military forces worldwide, showcasing the company’s reputation for off-road mobility and operational performance.