Ministry of National Defence
Press release No. 297 14.09.2020
Reception ceremony of the first PATRIOT High Surface-to-Air Missile system

The reception ceremony of the first PATRIOT High Surface-to-Air Missile system will take place on Thursday, 17th September, starting 11.00, at the National Air Defence Training Center General de brigada Ion Bungescu from Capu Midia, Constanta County.

The main pieces of equipment making the first PATRIOT High Surface-to-Air Missile system started to arrive into the country in August and were transported to the National Air Defence Training Center General de brigada Ion Bungescu, where they are being tested and having their reception made.

Journalists interested in attending the event are requested to send their identification data (name, surname, media institution they represent, phone number and the registration number of the TV uplink van) on email address: proff@roaf.ro, by Wednesday, 16th September, 13.00. The mass-media representatives are expected on Thursday, 17 September, between 09.30 10.00, at the la National Air Defence Training Center General de brigada Ion Bungescu Headquarters from Capu Midia, Constanta County. Point of contact: Colonel Ionut Neamu, telephone number: 0724 348 252.


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Following the entering into the service of the PATRIOT High Surface-to-Air Missile system, the Romanian Armed Forces will increase their defence and deterrence capability, thus, ensuring a better defence of the national air space, which is part of NATO's air space.

The procurement of the PATRIOT system was established by Law no. 222/2017 for the achievement of the Ground-based air defence capability, which is part of the Major Procurement Program High Surface-to-Air Missiles (HSAM). The document stipulated the awarding of the contract to the Government of the United States of America for the procurement of seven newly manufactured 3+ configuration PATRIOT High Surface-to-Air Missile systems, respectively the major equipment, means of transportation, materiel, component parts, maintenance equipment, ammunition, initial logistic support and training service package, as well as cryptographic and special equipment.

The endorsement of the law was preceded by the previous approval of the Parliament with regard to the initiation of the acquisition, according to the provisions of Art. 51 Paragraph (2) from Government Ordinance 114/2011, considering the fact that the value estimated is bigger than 100 million Euros and the awaiting of the approval of the US Department of State with respect to the potential selling of several Patriot systems to Romania.


Romania procured the most modern type on the market in terms of the hardware and software configuration of PATRIOT systems currently operated, tested in combat and able to engage all types of existing threats.
The main contractors of the package of equipment and services adjacent to the PATRIOT systems are the US Raytheon and Lockheed-Martin Companies.

The Press Office