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Romanian Land Forces' acquisition of Abrams tanks reaches finishing line
Romania's Defence Ministry (MApN) welcomes the notification to the US Congress on Thursday of the sale to Romania of 54 Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 combat tanks, ammunition and training simulators.
"The combat vehicles that will become part of the Romanian Land Forces will be delivered in their most up-to-date version, which is also owned by the US Army. The estimated value of the contract is around USD 1.07 billion, in agreement with the prior approval of the Romanian Parliament. According to the American legislation, the US Congress was notified a higher initial value of approximately USD 2.5 billion. After the approval by the US Congress, the governments of Romania and the United States will sign a Letter of Acceptance, and Romania will then make the purchase at the value estimated and approved by the Romanian Parliament. For the security of supply, MApN will use the national industry to get integrated logistics support," MApN reported on Friday.
"The Strategic Partnership between Romania and the United States is one of the pillars on which Romania's national security rests and essentially contributes to strengthening the defence of the NATO eastern flank in the Black Sea region. The Patriot surface-to-air and HIMARS surface-to-surface missile systems, the armoured personnel carriers Piranha V, the F-16 multirole aircraft - programmes already underway - the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) coastal batteries that will be delivered in the near future, as well as the prospect of being equipped with the 5th generation aircraft, the F-35 - for which Romania has already opted officially - are the most important of the concrete dimensions of bilateral defence co-operation that ensures Romania's strengthened position from a strategic point of view in the region, where it acts as a pillar of NATO stability and provides it with strong anchors of interoperability with its allies," said Defense minister AngelTilvar.
Tilvar also welcomed the latest deliveries of American combat equipment - on Thursday the first 33 JLTV (Joint Light Tactical Vehicles) armoured vehicles for the Special Operations Forces arrived in the country, and on Friday at Base 90 Otopeni Airport the second Hercules C-130H aircraft is received after the first aircraft of this type delivered in September.
În turn, the United States ambassador to Romania, Kathleen Kavalec, states that the Abrams tanks that the US is selling to Romania demonstrate the "strength and vitality" of the bilateral relationship and will provide our country with a modern, reliable platform for deterring aggression and defending the borders.
In a press release sent on Friday, the US Embassy announces a sale to Romania of 54 M1A2 SEPv3 battle tanks, as part of an important package of military equipment and services.
"The M1A2 SEPv3 is the latest, improved version of the Abrams main battle tank, offering increased protection, survivability, lethality and network capability. The tanks are the same variant as those currently used by the United States and will increase interoperability of Romania with the USA and NATO allies, especially on the eastern flank of the alliance," states the source.
The US ambassador, Kathleen Kavalec, praised the high standard of security cooperation between the United States and Romania and reaffirmed the US commitment to Romania's sovereignty and territorial integrity. She also emphasized the value that the United States attaches to the strategic partnership and friendship with Romania, which is based on common values and interests, the press release also reads.
"This transaction demonstrates the strength and vitality of our bilateral relationship, as well as our mutual dedication to regional stability and security," ambassador Kavalec said. She added that the M1A2 Abrams tanks "will provide Romania with a modern and reliable platform to deter aggression and defend its borders. They will also contribute to NATO's collective defense and enhance our ability to operate together efficiently".
According to the mentioned source, in accordance with the legislation of the United States, the sale of Abrams tanks was notified to the US Congress with a total estimated cost of the program of 2.53 billion dollars, but the actual value of the agreement is significantly lower. The initial agreement is valued at approximately 1 billion euros ($1.07 billion). The sale is subject to approval by the US Congress, as well as the completion of contractual negotiations.
Photo: U.S. Army