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Memorandum of Understanding between ROMAERO and Sikorsky, part of the Lockheed Martin group
Minister of the Economy, Virgil Popescu, stated on Thursday that he desires to create a development poll under the umbrella of Lockheed Martin within the Romanian aeronautic industry.
He participated on Thursday in the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between ROMAERO and Sikorsky, part of the Lockheed Martin group, in view of establishing in Romania a Regional Center for Equipment and Maintenance for Black Hawk Helicopters, for Central Europe.
According to the minister, the document creates the conditions to put into application two strategic partnerships that Romania has with the USA and Poland.
"I am glad to see today this memorandum of understanding signed to create the conditions to put into application two strategic partnerships that Romania has with the United States of America and with Poland. This potential regional cooperation provided by the Memorandum of Understanding will offer Romania economic strength, long term thinking. I appreciated, also, ROMAERO's invitation to the Romanian aeronautic industry and I assume that Mr. Boicu also referred to IAR Brasov, will continue to refer to Avioane Craiova and to Aerostar Bacau and to all companies and research institutes in the domain, because I desire under the umbrella of Lockheed Martin we create a poll of development within the Romanian aeronautic industry," said Virgil Popescu, on the occasion of the signing of the Memorandum.
The Minister of Economy emphasized that this MoU also represents the continuation of a similar document signed two years ago.
"Speaking of maturity, what I want to emphasize, also, is that the Memorandum today represents the continuation of a similar document signed two years ago, which shows that we can be wise and coherent from an economic point of view around valuable ideas. This is a message of continuity that should be received by the entire business environment and, we hope, a sign of maturity that we should demonstrate and that we should follow through on in the future," Virgil Popescu also said.
He emphasized that the Romanian Government, together with the Presidential Administration, support the defence industry, an important domain for national security, which joins together with economic development, because they are products with high added value.
"By such partnerships, we give the signal of a stable state, capable of concluding serious partnership relations, so we are creating an attractive framework for investors. It was a constant preoccupation of President Iohannis and the PNL [National Liberal Party] Government to support and to encourage such domains that develop the economic dimension of the relation with strategic partners, such as the USA and Poland, but also to support the national defence industry, in which we strongly believe," said the Economy Minister.
According to the agreement, Romania would host the first regional Black Hawk equipment and maintenance center.
Black Hawk, the most widespread multi-role and multi-mission helicopter in the world, would be outfitted at ROMAERO both for military missions, as well as for search and rescue operations, emergency medical services, command and control or official transport. The Black Hawk helicopters will be delivered for finalization by ROMAERO from the factory in PZL Mielec, Poland, the largest production capability of Lockheed Martin outside the USA.
Ambassador Adrian Zuckerman at the Signing of the Lockheed Martin – Romaero Memorandum of Understanding
Good afternoon everyone.
It is a pleasure to be here. Signing this memorandum of understanding is not just a big step for Lockheed Martin and Romaero, but a bigger step for Romania, Poland and the United States. This is a remarkable day for all of our nations and for the European Alliance. Lockheed Vice President Goege, (Gu-gay) and Romaero Chief Executive Officer Bociu —thank you for your hard work in making this agreement happen. To my friend Economy Minister Popescu, thank you for all of your hard work continuing to develop the Romanian economy. To my new friend, Polish Ambassador Miej Lang – welcome. What a great way to start your mandate in Bucharest!
My friends, this is the future. A great collaboration between our three countries to advance and preserve the cause of freedom. The best helicopter in the world, the Blackhawk, made by Lockheed Martin of the United States, manufactured in Europe by a Polish subsidiary of Lockheed Martin and maintained in Romania by a Lockheed Martin joint venture. This is a true win.
To maintain and preserve freedom and democracy in the face of Russian, Chinese and other malign influences, it is crucially important to maintain vibrant economies as well as effective militaries. This agreement will do just that. It will bolster the military capabilities of all European countries and also benefit the economies of Romania and Poland. The best ally the United States can have is one that is strong militarily and economically.
Strengthening the economic and security relationship between Romania and the United States are my top priorities. I commend Prime Minister Orban’s government for its commitment to long term stability and focusing not only on military readiness, but economic development as well. I commend Ministers Popescu and Citu for working so diligently on Romania’s long term finances and economic development. I commend Defense Minister Ciuca for developing the Romanian armed services into an effective forward looking strategic and comprehensive defense force. Romania has no better friend or ally than the United States – we shall work with you and assist you in every way possible to keep democracy and the rule of law flourishing. I want the people of Romania to know that the people of the United States support you, President Trump supports you, and I support you.
We have trust in our allies and trust in our nations’ finest companies to work together to share the technology and practices needed to keep our citizens safe… while also putting them to work. Today American and Romanian companies are collaborating to strengthen our nations, our relationship, and deliver a service center that will significantly benefit Romania and this region.
Let me be very clear—this is not a routine business agreement. Romania, and Poland are linchpins in the defense of Europe’s eastern flank. Sevastopol is less than 600 kilometers away from us. Tiraspol is 400 kilometers away. The hybrid threats we face are real and they are close. Last Friday over the Black Sea, Russian planes aggressively and dangerously harassed American plane in international air space. They needlessly risked our flight crews’ lives. There are also many other less visible malign acts in the Russian quest to expand its sphere of influence. This type of Russian conduct consistently reinforces the need for a strong defense presence here on NATO’s eastern border. The United States, NATO and its member states will not be intimidated by these reckless stunts and malign acts.
Lockheed and Romaero’s Blackhawk joint venture makes us all more secure. Its beneficial strategic impact cannot be overstated. It is representative of our security partnership and the great relationship among the United States, Romania, and Poland. This facility optimizes the ability for the United States to export America’s best technology and aircraft. The Blackhawk represents the finest in American know how. This joint venture and the ever-increasing export of our technology to our Central and Eastern Europe allies, reassures me that our nations will continue to move forward prosperously and with the ability to defend their border integrity.
Romania is on the path towards a more capable and ready air presence. The Blackhawk is an incredibly versatile craft, from life-saving and civilian applications to its essential military role, this state of the art helicopter defines readiness. It is as loved by those who rely on it, as it is feared by those who have faced it in battle. There are many entities and agencies that have purchased this helicopter for civilian applications, including search and rescue purposes.
We very much hope that all civilian agencies in Romania purchase the Black Hawk so that it can be maintained in Romania at Romaero. Doing so would also help bring skilled jobs to Romania—mechanics and professionals who understand the Blackhawk and can keep them ready to respond to any crisis at any time.
Thank you and God bless you