The contract, which must still be approved by the US Congress, covers Bucharest’s purchase of 32 F-35A aircraft and related equipment, produced by the US aerospace and defense giant Lockheed Martin.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is an important force for political and economic stability in Europe,” a State Department statement said.

The contract announcement comes as Ukrainian pilots began training this week at a special center in Romania on F-16s, US-made fighter jets that Washington has approved Kyiv to use to repel Russia’s invasion.

Romania occupies a strategic position at the gateway to Ukraine and the Black Sea, and aims to become an international hub for F-16 training.

It inaugurated an F-16 training center at its Fetesti air base in November 2023, pledging to also train Ukrainians there.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met his Romanian counterpart Luminita Odobescu on Thursday, thanking Bucharest for delivering a Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine.

The State Department also announced the approval on Friday of a $4.1 billion sale to Japan of a KC-46A aerial refueling tanker.

The post US Approves $7.2B Sale of F-35 Jets to NATO Ally Romania appeared first on The Defense Post.

Along with the AMRAAMS, Bucharest also requested four AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM guidance sections and related items, including AIM-120 Captive Air Training Missiles, missile containers, propulsion sections, control sections, telemetry kits, and warhead spares.

To Enhance F-16’s Combat Capability

The estimated $592 million potential sale will improve the air-to-air capability of the Romanian Air Force’s F-16 fleet, enhancing its capacity to defend its airspace against potential incursions.

The potential sale will improve Romania’s capability to “conduct self-defense and regional security missions while enhancing interoperability with the US and other NATO members,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated.

A total of 300 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles have already been approved for sale by the US State Department for Romania.

The AIM-9X is a short-range air-to-air missile outfitted on aircraft such as the F-16.

Romania’s F-16 Fleet Acquisition

Romania bought a total of 32 used F-16s from Norway after retiring its fleet of Soviet-era Mig-21s in 2023.

It will enhance Romania’s fleet of 17 F-16s bought earlier from Portugal.

The used aircraft will be serviced before induction, for which the US has already approved the sale of modernization equipment and services for an estimated $105 million.

The post US Approves $592 Million Sale of AMRAAM Missiles to Romania appeared first on The Defense Post.

The JAB is an advanced track-wheeled armored engineer vehicle based on the M1A1 Abrams main battle tank chassis. It is built for assault-bridging tasks and to sustain the maneuverability of American warfighters and their international counterparts.

The company noted that the solutions will be delivered to the US Army and the Romanian Armed Forces through a foreign military sales agreement.

“We are proud to continue to deliver this robust and reliable system to the US Army and allied militaries to ensure armored vehicles can better navigate complex battlefield conditions,” Leonardo DRS Land Systems SVP and General Manager Aaron Hankins stated.

“JAB is a force multiplier and provides warfighters with advanced infrared vision technology, rapid assault launch and retrieve capability and superior mobility.”

The Joint Assault Bridge System

Leonardo’s JAB vehicle weighs 62.3 tons and measures 32.2 feet (9.8 meters) long.

It is protected by Burlington composite armor and equipped with a Honeywell multi-fuel turbine engine with 1,500 horsepower, specialized suspension bars, and a larger fuel tank.

The system has a top speed of 45 miles (72 kilometers) per hour and an operational range of 260 miles (418 kilometers).

The post Leonardo DRS to Produce Bridging Vehicles for US, Romania appeared first on The Defense Post.

Kyiv would like to create a safe space in western Ukraine where industry, energy infrastructure, and civilians can be protected against the massive destruction unleashed by Russian strikes in recent months.

“I don’t understand why NATO doesn’t deploy Patriot systems along the Polish border,” said lawmaker Oleksiy Goncharenko, referring to US-manufactured air defense systems.

“After all, Russian missiles have already entered Polish and Romanian airspace. This would protect the borders of Poland and Romania and this would create a safe zone in the west and south of Ukraine,” he added.

That request was mirrored by several Ukrainian civilian and military officials who spoke to AFP in Kyiv during a trip organized last week by the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI) and local think tank New Europe Center.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba opened the debate in May, saying there was “no legal, security or moral argument that stands in the way of our partners shooting down Russian missiles over the territory of Ukraine from their territory.”

President Volodymyr Zelensky has spent months pushing for more air defenses from his Western partners, but fresh supplies have only trickled in.

Recent victories for Kyiv include Romania’s promise of a Patriot missile defense system, and the United States has said it will prioritize sales of anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine for the next 16 months to allow it to replenish its stocks.

But time is running out for Ukraine, which has seen half its national electricity production capacity destroyed in recent months.

Every week, Russian missiles and drones strike the energy network, causing daily power outages that affect almost the entire population.

Critical Energy Situation

Russia focused on shelling Ukraine’s energy distribution networks during the winter of 2022-2023, but has recently been destroying energy production facilities, which are much more costly and take years to repair or rebuild.

Moscow is also targeting the country’s energy reserves.

A European diplomatic source says Russian determination was underlined when it struck a facility storing gas three kilometers (nearly two miles) underground in the west of Ukraine.

“In the energy sector, the situation is really hard,” said a senior Ukrainian security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, adding he fears it will deteriorate further as winter approaches.

The official said talks were “in progress” with Western allies on a no-fly zone over western Ukraine using Patriot systems in Poland or Romania, “but that is not a simple decision.”

Western countries have been highly cautious about any moves that could lead to direct clashes with Russian forces and drag them into a wider war, which “makes this process slow and silent,” the official said.

But the subject could be discussed at the next NATO summit in Washington in early July, according to Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna.

“We are doing everything we can to mobilise enough air defence elements to allow us to continue to be functional throughout the war,” she told AFP.

Kyiv does not expect any progress towards joining NATO, however, with Washington and Berlin still strongly opposed for fear of further antagonizing Russia.

“The chances of getting an invitation are close to zero,” said a Ukrainian diplomatic source.

But he said that Ukraine’s allies felt a “sense of guilt” about this, which plays into Kyiv’s hands.

That “puts pressure on our allies”, he said, to make “other strong decisions as alternatives.”

The post Kyiv Pushes Allies to Create No-Fly Zone in Western Ukraine appeared first on The Defense Post.

The new helicopter will join Bucharest’s seven other S-70Ms on missions such as maritime and land search and rescue, transport, and medical support.

The purchase was funded by the EU’s RescEU program, which aims to bolster disaster risk management efforts in the region through newer capabilities and facilities.

“This Polish-built S-70M Black Hawk will further extend the reach of the existing Romanian Black Hawk fleet and supports Romania in its commitment to contribute to strengthening European preparedness for disasters,” Lockheed Central and Eastern Europe VP Dennis Goege said.

The Black Hawk

Favored for its suitability on long-range and high-altitude missions, the Black Hawk reaches speeds of up to 183 miles (282 kilometers) per hour in challenging conditions.

It can accommodate 11 seated troops or six stretchers and can carry up to 9,000 pounds (4,100 kilograms).

It can also be fitted with two 7.62 mm machine guns, miniguns, or 12.7 mm gatling guns.

Other Black Hawk operators include Australia, the Philippines, and the US.

The post Romania Orders Black Hawk Helicopter for Emergency Missions appeared first on The Defense Post.

The decision was announced following a meeting between Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr and his South Korean counterpart, Won-sik Shin, during the latter’s recent visit to Bucharest.

A total of 54 K9 Thunders manufactured by Hanwha will be handed over to the Romanian Armed Forces to form three modern artillery battalions.

The agreement has an estimated cost of 4.2 billion Romanian leu ($906 million).

According to local reports, Hanwha edged out Germany’s Krauss-Maffei Wegmann with its Panzerhaubitze 2000 armored howitzer, and Turkey’s BMC Otomotiv with the T-155 Fırtına, a Turkish variant of the K9 Thunder.

In addition to the self-propelled guns, South Korea will supply 10 K10 ammunition resupply vehicles, related gear, and ammunition.

About the K9 Thunder

First entering service in 1999, the K9 Thunder is a highly mobile artillery system that fires NATO-standard 155-millimeter ammunition.

It boasts a maximum rate of fire of six to eight rounds per minute for three minutes.

The weapon also supports a “shoot-and-scoot” strategy, redeploying in under 60 seconds to reduce the risk of counterattack.

Using standard ammunition, the K9 can hit targets up to 40 kilometers (24.8 miles) away, extendable to around 54 kilometers (33.5 miles).

Its eight-cylinder water-cooled diesel engine also provides a top speed of more than 67 kilometers (41.6 miles) per hour and an operational range of 360 kilometers (223.6 miles).

With the new contract, Romania will now be the 10th country to order the self-propelled howitzers, along with Poland, Australia, Norway, Finland, and Egypt.

Closer Ties

The agreement highlights the growing defense relationship between Romania and South Korea.

Apart from the K9 deal, the countries are poised to collaborate on the development of an infantry fighting vehicle.

Hyundai Rotem also recently demonstrated its K2 Black Panther main battle tank in Romania.

“I can promise Korea will be the optimal partner for Romania’s ongoing military modernization project,” Shin said.

The post Romania Picks S. Korea’s K9 Thunder Howitzers for Massive Artillery Upgrade appeared first on The Defense Post.

Amsterdam’s announcement follows it securing Patriot parts for an assembled system. 

The Dutch initiative was launched some time ago and involves an unknown country.

A total of three Patriots are operational in Ukraine presently with pledges from the US and Germany to send a system each.

Romanian Decision

Meanwhile, the Romanian announcement was made during a Supreme Council of Defense meeting on Thursday, led by President Klaus Iohannis.

The decision is conditional on negotiations for a replacement with allies, the Romanian presidency said.

“This donation is made on the condition that our country continues its negotiations with the Allies, especially with the American strategic partner, in order to obtain a similar or equivalent system,” the announcement read.

Romania has a pair of operational Patriots.

The post Ukraine Pledged Two More Patriot Systems From Netherlands, Romania appeared first on The Defense Post.

An unspecified number of Vectors will be delivered to the Romanian Armed Forces over a period of 36 months.

The 18.4-million euro ($19.67 million) procurement intends to enhance the Romanian military’s capabilities, with employment expected in a range of operations across the region.

“We are proud to be selected by the Romanian Ministry of Defence to provide our advanced Vector UAS to the Romanian Armed Forces,” Chief Revenue Officer Quantum Systems Sven Kruck said.

“Our collaboration with Romania marks a significant milestone in our mission to support global defense initiatives with reliable and efficient unmanned aerial solutions.”

‘Superior’ Features

The Vector was chosen due to its “superior range, flight autonomy, sensor quality, and robust warranty terms, along with a competitive pricing structure,” the Munich-based firm explained.

The vertical take-off and landing drone features an endurance of three hours and a flight range of 180 kilometers (112 miles).

Its low noise makes it ideal for covert operations and recent software updates enable it to operate in a global positioning system-denied environment.

Battle Tested 

Over 400 Vectors were delivered to Ukraine over the last two years, helping the Ukrainian military receive advanced battlefield aerial intelligence and situational awareness.

“Since August 2022, Vector demonstrated its unprecedented performance under the most challenging conditions,” Quantum Systems said in 2023.

“Vector has been extensively used and intensively tested on the Ukrainian battlefield, where it has proven to be an asset for military intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.”

The post Romania Orders Ukraine-Tested Reconnaissance Drones  appeared first on The Defense Post.

Kyiv last month introduced new divisive legislation aimed at replenishing army ranks after more than two costly years of war and Russian gains in the east.

Ukrainian men between the ages of 18 and 60 have been barred from leaving the country since the Russian invasion.

Border guards in the southern region of Odesa, which borders Moldova and Romania, said they had discovered 41 Ukrainian citizens from 12 regions trying to flee in a truck meant to transport grain.

“Administrative reports were drawn up against the violators, and as for the two defendants involved in organising the smuggling, they face criminal liability,” a statement said.

In February, border guards said they had stopped 38 Ukrainian men from illegally trying to cross into neighboring Hungary and that “smugglers” had elicited between $4,500 and $8,500 from each person.

The border guard service did not say whether the men were specifically attempting to avoid mobilization but the new efforts to bolster the army have instilled fear.

Social media has been flooded in recent weeks with amateur footage showing Ukrainian men being hauled off the street by recruitment officers and receiving a litany of abuse.

Resentment over the widening recruitment drive has been fueled by reports that some Ukrainian men have paid bribes to avoid being drafted.

Since the beginning of the war in February 2022, border authorities say they have discovered the bodies of 35 people who died trying to cross the Tysa river on Ukraine’s borders with Hungary and Romania.

The post Ukraine Says Stopped Dozens at Border Amid Draft Fears appeared first on The Defense Post.

The inauguration is a joint project between Romanian aerospace firm Aerostar SA and Lockheed Martin, launched to provide technical support for the HIMARS systems purchased by Bucharest from the US.

Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr explained that the hub is part of the ministry’s goal of linking the local defense industry to opportunities for capability procurement, management, and generation.

The Bacău facility is expected to employ 2,000 local workers, contributing to the economic development of the area.

Romania currently owns two HIMARS systems, with one more scheduled for delivery later this year.

Romania’s Air Defenses

Romania has bolstered its air defense posture amid rising tensions in the region, collaborating with NATO and allied countries to promote security through modernization.

In May, local firm IAR Brasov and MBDA signed a deal to integrate the latter’s Marte ER missile systems into Romanian Naval Forces helicopters.

The navy plans to utilize the weapons as anti-surface warfare capabilities to counter threats in Romanian waters.

Earlier that same month, the US also approved a $340-million sale of 300 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles to the country. The Raytheon-produced weapons will be fitted onto Romania’s F-16 fleet.

The post Romania Launches First HIMARS Maintenance Center in Europe appeared first on The Defense Post.