Romania could pay the first installment to acquire Patriot missiles in November, defense minister Adrian Tutuianu said on Wednesday, July 26.

Romania is focusing only on acquiring the US Patriot anti-aircraft missile system and doesn’t analyze other offers. The Defense Ministry will promote a special law in the Parliament to acquire the Patriot missiles, Tutuianu added. The sale also has to be approved by the US Congress. Then, Romania’s Government and the US Government will sign the agreement.

The US State Department has approved this month the possible sale of Patriot missile defense systems to Romania, including technical support and equipment, with an estimated price tag of USD 3.9 billion. The possible deal doesn’t include an offset option.

Moreover, Romania plans to acquire US HIMARS missile artillery systems and another 36 multirole fighters until 2022, Tutuianu added. The Defense Ministry is also trying to acquire new trucks for troop transport as soon as possible.

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editor@romania-insider.com