The ministry explained that the second stage of the programme, valued at almost €6.5 billion, is intended for the purchase of 216 Abrams tanks and 76 support vehicles for Romania’s tank and infantry units. This stage also covers logistical support and specialised equipment for training and exercises, while providing for industrial and technological co-operation so that tanks and subsystems can be produced and maintained within Romania.
According to the ministry, the first stage of phase two, estimated at $458.2 million, involves completing the capabilities of a tank battalion equipped with the Abrams M1A2 SEPv3. This includes the planned acquisition of machine guns, ammunition, spare parts, simulation and testing equipment, technical assistance, transport, and training services. These acquisitions follow an initial phase launched in 2023, which covered 54 modernised Abrams tanks and 12 derivatives from United States Army stock, with deliveries expected by 2028.
The defence ministry stressed that the programme aims to achieve NATO and EU defence planning targets and to realise Romania’s military transformation objectives by 2040. Minister of National Defence Ionuț Moșteanu also said that a new methodology for responding to hostile drones includes “identification, jamming, and intervention.”
Recently, Romanian Air Force fighters intercepted a Russian drone which entered the country’s airspace and travelled about 20 kilometres, accompanied by two F-16 aircraft. Authorities said this underlined the need to modernise and strengthen national defence capabilities.
Source: Romanian Ministry of National Defence (press release).