Romania intends to cooperate with U.S. on tank and artillery ammunition production

By Defence Industry Europe

On 17th May, the Defence, Public Order, and National Security Committee of the Romanian Chamber of Deputies approved the Ministry of National Defence's request to authorise the acquisition of 54 M1A2 SEPv3 main battle tanks from the United States.
Photo: US Army (by Sgt. Calab Franklin).

Romania and the United States are advancing plans to jointly manufacture NATO-standard ammunition, following the signing of Letters of Request (LOR) by Romanian Minister of Economy Bogdan Ivan on Wednesday, 28 May. The LORs, intended to lead to future Letters of Offer and Acceptance, outline cooperation in producing 120mm tank rounds for Abrams tanks and 155mm NATO-standard artillery shells.

 

The initiative represents a key step in bolstering Romania’s domestic defence industry. It also strengthens the country’s strategic role within NATO through enhanced production, testing, certification, and qualification capacities.

“Romania and the United States share common values and principles,” said Bogdan Ivan, who also oversees digitalisation, entrepreneurship, and tourism. “With the implementation of the NATO European Centre of Excellence for Ammunition, we will reinforce Romania’s position as a security pillar and provider of strategic capabilities in the region.”

 

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US Chargé d’Affaires Michael Dickerson expressed strong support for the partnership, highlighting its significance for regional security. “This co-production will secure supply chains for NATO, the United States, and Romania, making America and our allies safer,” he stated.

The proposed projects are backed by a USD 920 million Foreign Military Financing (FMF) loan granted by the US Department of State in September 2024. This funding underscores the commitment of both countries to a durable and strategic defence collaboration.

 

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