NATO-Romania’s MLI-84M1 Jder (Marten) is a radically modified Cold War era Soviet BMP (Boyevaya Mashina Pekhoty-Боевая Машина Пехоты, literally Combat Vehicle Infantry).  In 1982, when Romanian was still part of the Warsaw Pact, a license to build and modify the BMP-1 was accepted, the result was the MLI-84 which looked like the original BMP-1.

MLI-84M1. Photo via Romanian Ministry of Defense, 16DEC2022.

Essentially, the MLI-84 hull was lengthened and widened to allow the fitment of a larger more powerful Romanian diesel motor and a larger fuel tank. Some of the MLI-84s had a 12.7x108mm DShK heavy machinegun (Soviet .50 cal) mounted above the infantry compartment.  The original BMP-1 turret and 73mm Grom gun was retained.

MLI-84M1 in Grafenwoehr, Germany. U.S. Army photo by Specialist Bryan Rankin, 27JUN2014.

In 1995, after the fall of the Soviet Union, Romania contracted with an Israeli company to create the MLI-84M1.  The ‘Western-NATO’ style turret was added, armed with an Oerlikon 25mm main-gun, a 12.7x108mm DShK heavy machinegun and two ‘Spike’ Anti-Tank Guided Missiles in the ready position. The Romanian diesel motor was replaced by a U.S. made motor.

MLI-84M1. U.S. Army photo by Sergeant William A. Tanner, 23APR2015.

In 2004, Romania joins NATO.

USA photo by Sergeant William A. Tanner, 23APR2015.

U.S. Army video, by Sergeant Alan Brutus, wargame Wind Spring April 2015:

USA photo by Major Brett Sullenger, 09NOV2022.

This is NATO video from November 2022‘s Justice Sword wargames:

USA photo by Specialist Jabari Clyburn, 23MAR2021.

Notice the ‘pland-emic’ mask wearing. USA photo by Specialist Jabari Clyburn, 23MAR2021.

North Carolina Army National Guard photo by Specialist Hannah Tarkelly, 11OCT2018.

NATO Vehicle I-D:

ARMURĂ ROMÂNIA

From Cold War to Battle for Ukraine: ROMÂNIA GARDIENII CERULUI GEPARD

World War Three, 2016: MONTANA MILITIA ENJOYS BEING THE ‘BAD GUY’ IN ROMANIA!

OREGON CAPTAIN EXPLAINS WHY IDAHO BASED MILITIA INVADED ROMANIA!