The Romanian Economy Ministry through Aerostar and the U.S. company Raytheon International Defence System have signed on Wednesday the agreement providing technical support for the Patriot system’s purchase.
The ceremony took place at the Government’s HQs, attended by PM Mihai Tudose, Defence Minister Mihai Fifor, Economy Minister Gheorghe Simon and the U.S. Ambassador to Romania, Hans Klemm.
According to a government’s press release, the document stipulates the “transfer of technology and technical assistance necessary for the existing equipment’s revamping and technical update, as well as to provide the technical support for the Patriot missile system. The memorandum thus allows the launch this year of the procedures to purchase the first Patriot system within the Romanian Army’s endowment, according to the endowment plan for 2017-2026 and amid Romania’s commitments as partner on the NATO eastern flank and as strategic partner with the U.S.,” the Gov’t release says.
The companies that inked the deal say that the memorandum is a first step to a longer collaboration within the endowment programs of the Romanian Army.
“Therefore opportunities will be created for the implementation of the new cutting edge technologies in the field, while developing the most advanced anti-missile system represents not only a security insurance for Romania, but also an accomplishment of Romania’s assumed commitments as NATO member state,” the release also reads.
Three weeks ago, Defence minister Mihai Fifor announced that the Romanian Army would buy the first Patriot system by the end of the year, saying the Romanian side had asked for the «dependable under taking» clause, meaning a payment schedule file.