Patriot missile system is operational for Romania’s air defense

By Jerom Bolt
On Thursday, September 17, 2020, the reception ceremony of the first Patriot surface-to-air missile took place at the National Air Training Training Center “Brigadier General Ion Bungescu” from Capul Midia, Constanța County.
The Minister of National Defense, Nicolae Ciucă, declared that the Patriot missile system, received on Thursday, is one of the most efficient and best air defense systems and that it will be followed by three more, which will be equipped by the Romanian Air Force, until at the end of 2022.
“The Black Sea region is of great strategic importance, not only for our country, but for the entire Euro-Atlantic area. The security of this area, marked by complex and constantly evolving challenges, is vital in ensuring the security of all of us. Operating the first Patriot system is only the first step towards achieving a formidable air defense capability for our country, which will significantly contribute to strengthening NATO’s deterrent and defense position on the eastern flank.The Patriot system, received today, will be followed by three more, which will benefit The Romanian Air Force, until the end of 2022. Starting today, it is part of the Romanian Army, one of the most efficient and best long-range air defense systems, capable of fulfilling the full range of missions in the area of responsibility. , regardless of the atmospheric conditions “, specified the minister, present at the National Training Center for  Midia Air Defense.
He pointed out that the Romanian Army becomes the 17th country to have such a capability and the seventh among NATO member countries, being about “an essential equipment, in the most modern form found in manufacturing, a defensive system tested in combat, perfected over time “.
At the same time, Ciucă specified that this is the first important equipment purchased and delivered after the signing, in 2015, of the national political agreement on increasing the financing for Defense.
“Romania has acquired the most modern hardware and software configuration of the missile systems. The same as the one currently used by the United States armed forces, which allows counteracting all types of current air threats. The endowment of these systems will increase the level of cooperation between Romania and the United States, the transfer of sensitive technologies and information will increase the level of trust between the two allies.This consolidation of the Strategic Partnership between our countries offers another essential guarantee for national security, with increased valences in the current regional and international security environment. , difficult and complex, “he said.
At the same time, Nicolae Ciucă showed that the Ministry of National Defense, together with the Ministry of Economy, will take steps to identify “the most suitable economic operator, to entrust its maintenance operations” and to make the technology transfer.
Romania has acquired a modern hardware and software configuration of Patriot systems in service, tested in combat, capable of engaging all types of current air threats.
The main contractors of the equipment and services package related to Patriot systems are the American companies Raytheon and Lockheed-Martin.