MoND continues efforts to boost its defence capacity

MoND continues efforts to boost its defence capacity

The Ministry of National Defence has requested Parliament's approval to begin the contract award procedure for the "Main Battle Tank" Procurement Program, stages I (phase 2) and II. The goal is to enhance the armed forces' operational capacity, to fulfill both national defence missions and international commitments.

Stage I (phase 2) of the procurement program, with an estimated value of 458.20 million USD excluding VAT, involves the full equipping of armoured battalion consisting in Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 Main Battle Tanks. The procurement program stipulates the purchase of machine guns, ammunition, spare parts, simulation and testing equipment, support services and technical assistance, transportation and training services.

Phase II of the procurement program, with an estimated value of 6,488.34 million Euros excluding VAT, aims to purchase 216 tanks and 76 derivatives to equip the Land Forces' tank and infantry structures, as well as to acquire the logistical support and specific training and education equipment.

Also, phase II of the program provides measures to protect Romania's security through technological and industrial cooperation, so that the tanks and their subsystems be manufactured and benefit from maintenance in the country.

The "Main Battle Tank" Procurement Program aims to render operational the capability targets undertaken within the NATO and EU defence planning process, in order to accomplish the objectives of the Romanian Armed Forces' Transformation Program for by 2040.

We mention that Stage I (Phase 1) of the procurement program was initiated in 2023 and involved the acquisition of 54 modernized M1A2 SEPv3 Main Battle Tanks and 12 tank chassis derivatives from the US Army stock. This stage is being implemented through a "Government to Government" Agreement with the United States of America, amounting to 1,068,526,880 USD. The full equipment is estimated to be delivered in 2028.

The Press Office