Saur 1

The Saur 1 (formerly Zimbru 2006) is an armoured personnel carrier developed by the Romanian company ROMARM in 2006.

Development

Late in 2006, ROMARM completed the first prototype of a new multi-role amphibious armoured infantry fighting vehicle called Saur. In the past this has been referred to as the Zimbru 2006. The Saur 1 was first unveiled at Expomil 2007. Saur 1 was developed to meet the requirements of the Romanian Army but as of late 2007 no production orders had been placed for the Saur. To meet an Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR), the Romanian Ministry of National Defense has placed a contract with MOWAG of Switzerland for a total of 31 Piranha III (8×8) armoured vehicles with deliveries to run from 2007 through to 2008.

Description

The hull of the Saur 1 is of all-welded steel which provides the occupants with protection from small arms fire and shell splinters with the highest protection being given over the frontal arc. According to ROMARM, the vehicle has Level 1 anti-mine and ballistic protection. The SAUR 1 can be fitted with an add-on armour kit, raising the protection to Level 2.