The final certification exercise included a third series of missile launches conducted at the Capu Midia training range, located on Romania’s Black Sea coast. The drills utilised PAC-2 surface-to-air missiles and were part of the “Patriot Spark 24.11” exercise, held from 2 to 12 December.
Surface-to-Air Missile Battery of the 74th Regiment performed a training sequence, over December 2nd-12th, as part of the Live Fire Tactical Exercise F.A. PATRIOT SPARK 24.11, conducted in Capu Midia Surface-to-Air Firing Range.https://t.co/wwSxFggEd8 pic.twitter.com/FwsASLrXlx
— MApN (@MApNRomania) December 12, 2024
Romania conducted its first live-fire exercise with the Patriot missile systems in November 2023. To date, the country has acquired four Patriot PAC-3+ fire units through the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, with the first unit delivered in September 2020.
The Romanian government has expressed interest in procuring three additional units, which are expected to be delivered to the Land Forces starting in 2027. Additionally, Bucharest has committed to providing one of its Patriot systems as military aid to Ukraine. According to reports, the system was delivered to Ukraine in October this year.
The certification and operational readiness of these systems are significant milestones in strengthening Romania’s national defence and its contribution to NATO’s collective security. The equipment transfer to Ukraine underscores Romania’s ongoing support for its eastern neighbour amid heightened regional tensions.
