The US State Department has given the green light for a potential sale of a Patriot air defense system and associated equipment to Romania, with an estimated cost of $280 million. This major transaction includes Romania’s request for a specific radar set, engagement control station, and launching stations.
The proposed sale consists of one AN/MPQ-65 configuration 3+ increment 3 radar set, one AN/MSQ-132 engagement control station, and two M903 launching stations. Additionally, it features a Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement launcher conversion kit, an identification friend or foe system, and Defense Advanced GPS Receivers. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency emphasized that this proposed sale aims to enhance Romania’s military capabilities, allowing it to better deter potential threats and support its operations within NATO.
The contract is expected to be facilitated by RTX Corporation and Lockheed Martin, which are the primary contractors involved in this transaction. As part of the agreement, five representatives from the US government and five from US contracting firms will travel to Romania for up to three years to support the implementation of the equipment and to provide necessary training.
This acquisition is significant as it serves as a replacement for a Patriot system that Romania donated to Ukraine in 2024. The procurement process is further supported by funding from Norway and Sweden, amounting to 1.4 billion Norwegian kronor (approximately $124 million) from Norway and 300 million Swedish kronor (around $27 million) from Sweden. This financial backing highlights the collaborative efforts among NATO allies to bolster regional security.
The Swedish Ministry of Defence noted the urgency of Romania’s situation, stating that the nation requires financial resources to procure essential Patriot-type projectiles, sensors, and other equipment to replace what was donated to Ukraine.
Romania previously signed contracts in 2017 and 2020 to buy seven Patriot systems from the US, receiving four of these systems to date. Earlier this year, Romania made headlines by finalizing a $946 million deal with RTX for the acquisition of an additional Patriot system, further underscoring its commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities.
