Romania, US to Explore Defense Industry via LOA Requests

The U.S. Embassy has announced today the Romanian Ministry of Economy signing two Letters of Request (LOR) for Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) to explore how the United States and Romania can enhance defense production capabilities.  The Letters of Request for the co-production of Abrams Tank ammunition and artillery ammunition and are an essential first step in developing Romania’s domestic production capacity.

U.S. Chargé d’affaires Michael Dickerson said, “Successful implementation of these types of co-production projects build capacity in the whole region and strengthen our bilateral strategic partnership.  This co-production will secure the supply chain for NATO, the United States, and Romania, making America and our allies safer.”    

Bogdan Ivan, the Romanian Minister of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, said “Through these NATO-standard munitions co-production projects, we are increasing the strength of the Romanian defense industry. Romania and the United States share common values and principles. The implementation of the NATO European Center of Excellence for Munitions will strengthen Romania’s position as a pillar of security and a provider of strategic capabilities in the region. Through this economic and military partnership with the United States, we will develop capabilities for production, testing, certification, and qualification.”

The LORs include potential co-production of both NATO-standard 155-millimeter artillery shells and for 120-millimeter NATO tank ammunition.  These projects are supported by a $920M foreign military loan from the U.S. Department of State announced in September 2024.