Romania to get Javelin missiles from US for $80 million

Europe, News, US December 17, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

The United States Department of State has approved about $80 million (€73.3 million) Foreign Military Sale of Javelin Missiles and related equipment for Romania.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on December 12, 2023, that the proposed sale of Javelin anti-armor missiles will support the U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives and bolster the security of a NATO Ally, essential for political and economic stability in Europe.

Romania has requested to buy 263 Javelin FGM-148F Missiles and 26 Javelin Light Weight Command Launch Units (LWCLU), the DSCA statement read. The main contractors for providing military equipment to Romania will be U.S. defense firms Raytheon and Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture of Orlando, FL, and Tucson, AZ.

The package also includes enhanced producibility basic skills trainers, missile simulation rounds, Security Assistance Management Directorate (SAMD) technical assistance, Tactical Air Ground Missiles (TAGM) Project Office technical assistance, other associated equipment and services; as well as related elements of logistics and program support.

“The proposed sale will improve Romania’s capability to meet current and future threats by building its long-term defense capacity in line with its national defense requirements. Romania will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces,” the DSCA statement added.

Romania Patriot PAC-2 — *^{Romanian Patriot PAC-2 system. (Image Credit: Bogdan Pantilimon/Romanian MoD)}*

Under the increasing pressure from its allies and the changing security situation of the region due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Romania is among several other Eastern European countries that are rapidly evaluating their defense strategy and upgrading their arsenals. Romania shares a 400-mile-long border with Ukraine.

Last month, the Romanian government announced its plans to spend up to $2.1 billion on procuring short-range air defense systems. The European nation seeks to acquire 41 new air defense systems, including mobile short-range air defense systems (SHORAD) and very short-range air defense systems (VSHORAD).

On November 9, the U.S. approved Romania’s request to purchase 54 M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks for around $2.5 billion. The Romanian government’s request also included four M88A2 HERCULES Combat Recovery Vehicles, 54 M240C 7.62mm machine guns, and M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicles.

Romania has also been making efforts to strengthen its aerial power. The U.S. defense manufacturer Lockheed Martin established a European F-16 training center in Romania in September 2023. The F-16 center will focus on ensuring the effectiveness and safety of Romanians flying and operating F-16 fighter jets and could eventually expand to include training for other nations.