The U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Romania of a PATRIOT Air Defense System and related equipment for an estimated cost of $280 million, according to a notification by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
Romania has requested the purchase of:
- One (1) AN/MPQ-65 Configuration 3+ Increment 3 radar set,
- One (1) AN/MSQ-132 Engagement Control Station,
- Two (2) M903 launching stations,
- One (1) Electrical Power Plant (EPP) III, as well as non-Major Defense Equipment (MDE) items including:
- Launching station modification kits,
- PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement launcher conversion kit,
- Generators and spare parts,
- Prime movers and their spare parts,
- Encryptors (KG-250X, KIV-77),
- IFF system (AN/TPX-57v1),
- Personnel communication training equipment,
- DAGRs (Defense Advanced GPS Receivers),
- Technical assistance, logistics and engineering support, classified software, publications, and related elements of logistics support.
The principal contractors will be RTX Corporation (Andover, MA) and Lockheed Martin (Bethesda, MD).
The DSCA emphasized that:
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is an important force for political and economic stability in Europe.”
It also noted:
“The proposed sale will improve Romania’s capability to meet current and future threats by enabling it to field a credible force to deter adversaries and support its participation in NATO operations.”
Romania is expected to integrate the system without difficulty. The sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
Implementation will require approximately five U.S. Government and five contractor representatives to support fielding and training activities in Romania for up to three years.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness from the sale.
The description and cost represent the highest estimated value; final agreements may result in lower actual costs depending on finalized requirements and budget authorizations.