The purchase is a part of a USD 5.5 billion contract overseen by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), involving COMLOG, a joint venture of Raytheon and MBDA Germany. This initiative is significant as it plans to provide 1,000 PATRIOT air defence missiles, aiding not only Romania but also key NATO members such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain.
Romania’s investment in the PAC-2 GEM-T missiles, valued at EUR 1.09 billion, reflects the country’s strategic response to evolving security challenges in Eastern Europe, particularly considering Russia’s recent aggression against Ukraine. “This acquisition demonstrates the Alliance’s capability to adapt to the security circumstances we face,” remarked Romanian Defence Minister Angel Tilvar.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has underscored the importance of such investments in the current geopolitical climate. “This investment shows the strength of transatlantic defence cooperation and NATO’s commitment to security. Scaling-up ammunition production is essential for Ukraine’s security and ours,” Stoltenberg stated.
The decision to go forward with this purchase aligns with the objectives of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), spearheaded by Germany. ESSI’s aim is to establish a comprehensive European air and missile defence system through collaborative acquisition efforts.
Currently, Romania operates four Patriot missile batteries, with plans to expand this arsenal following the US State Department’s approval of seven systems in 2017.
