A new PATRIOT System for the Romanian Armed Forces

The Ministry of National Defence leadership welcomes the decision of the US Department of State to approve the sale to Romania of a long-range surface-to-air missile system (HSAM) – PATRIOT, through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Security Assistance Program and the notification of the US Congress, according to the American procedures. This system will replace the one donated to Ukraine by our country in September 2024.

The estimated cost for this system, consisting of an AN/MPQ-65 radar set, in the upgraded version compared to the donated one, two M903 launch stations and a launch control station, amounts to $262 million. According to US law, the US Congress was notified of a higher initial value, approximately $280 million.

The system will be purchased with non-reimbursable external funds, provided by a group of Allied countries, as well as through the Immediate Action on Air Defence Initiative, in order to replenish the capability deficit generated by the donation.

The PATRIOT system can detect and shoot down a wide range of air platforms and ballistic missiles, and this acquisition will consolidate Romania's ability to deter aggression in the Black Sea region.

Surface-to-air missile systems are essential for national and regional security. In the current political-military context, Romania continues its efforts in the field of defence and security, by ensuring robust and credible military capabilities.

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The program for the acquisition of seven PATRIOT surface-to-air missile systems was initiated by Law No. 222/2017. The first system was received in 2020. During the period, major equipment was received throughout 2021-2023 for the other three systems that were part of the first stage of the program. For the systems stipulated in the second stage of the program (three systems), for which Romania signed the acquisition contract at the end of 2023, the US Government has already launched the order to Raytheon to start the manufacturing of radars, launch stations, command and control systems and missiles.

For the donation of a PATRIOT system to Ukraine and, subsequently, for the rebuilding of the ground-based air defence capability by purchasing another one for the Romanian Armed Force, a new law was adopted last year, in September, namely the Law for the completion of Art.1 of Law 222/2017 for the building of the "Ground-based air defence capability" related to the "Long-range surface-to-air missile system (HSAM)" Procurement Program.

The Press Office