Germany and Austria demonstrated an innovative approach to field trench construction during joint exercises — the ROM Trench System from the German company Romold. Designed for rapid and mobile deployment, the system combines plastic panels with a metal frame into a prefabricated structure that resembles a large LEGO set.
Working principle and design
ROM Trench System consists of unified modules: vertical wall panels, ceiling panels, frame elements and internal struts. The modules have fixing elements, which allows you to quickly connect the sections into a single linear or branched structure without the use of cranes, welding or complex tools. After installation, the structure is partially or completely covered with soil - this increases camouflage, heat resistance and ballistic protection.
Demonstration at training and operational capabilities
During one of the exercises, four Austrian engineers assembled an 18-meter-long closed trench with a combat position in three hours. The structure was completely covered from above, which reduces the risk of detection from the air and protects against reconnaissance drones. Similar positive results were shown by the Bundeswehr: speed of deployment, structural stability and the ability to create long-term shelters even with a minimum number of engineering units.
Tactical and logistical advantages
The main advantages of the ROM Trench System are mobility, reusability and reduced logistics costs. Plastic modules are lighter than wooden or concrete counterparts, making them easier to transport and deploy in resource-constrained environments. The lack of need for timber harvesting or heavy equipment makes the system quiet and less noticeable during deployment. The modular design allows for the dismantling of elements and their transportation to new positions, which is important in maneuver warfare.
Trends in modern fortification and development prospects
Modern conflicts have shown that field fortifications remain critically important, but traditional methods of their construction are slow and resource-intensive. The emergence of industrial modular solutions is a logical response to these challenges. The ROM Trench System responds to the trends: modularity, mobility, camouflage and integration with electronic systems.
Possible ways to develop the system include installing internal insulation, integrating communication and power cables, drainage solutions, camouflage networks, and expanding the line of modules for command posts, medical posts, or ammunition depots. Such additions will make the design more versatile and effective in different climatic and tactical conditions.
Limitations and risks
Despite the obvious advantages, modular systems have limitations: plastic and frame may be inferior to concrete in long-term strength against high-power impacts, require reliable camouflage and proper backfilling for optimal ballistic protection. Careful logistics are also critical - the advantages of mobility must be offset by reliable supplies and training of engineering units.
The ROM Trench System demonstrates how industrial modular solutions can radically change the engineering approach to field fortifications: faster, more mobile, with less human and material costs. Combined with additional technical options and the right tactical integration, such a system can become an important tool in modern fortification practice.
