Iohannis explains the donation of the only Patriot anti-aircraft defense system in Romania: I said I am open to discussing these matters

“Regarding the military assistance provided by Romania to Ukraine. The sending of a Patriot system that we own has appeared in the public debate in Romania. Can you clarify?”, was the question addressed to the President of Romania.

“There is obviously a need for air defense systems in Ukraine – advanced systems. In this way, in recent weeks there is a rather intense discussion about who can provide Patriot systems to Ukraine. Romania has such systems and, of course, we were also asked. And President Biden brought this matter up, and I said I’m open to discussing these matters; this means that I, in Romania, will have to discuss how we can raise the issue, what we can offer and, obviously, what we can receive in return because it is, in my opinion, unacceptable for Romania to remain without anti-aircraft defense. I think we will find a solution, It’s about a system”, said Klaus Iohannis.

“We only have one functional”, said one of the journalists.

“Believe me that I know many more details, but yes, there will be a functional one that remains in Romania, the others are in advanced phases of operationalization – and we were talking about one of these (to be donated to Ukraine)”, declared the President of Romania , Klaus Iohannis.

Romania acquired 7 Patriot air defense systems. Of these, 4 have been delivered, and the next 3 will be contracted.

Of the 4 systems delivered, one is already operational. Therefore, the negotiations for sending a Romanian Patriot system to Ukraine target one of the three currently being operationalized.

The 7 systems cost approximately 4 billion dollars, the Patriot purchase being the most expensive in Romania’s history. The record is to be broken, however, by the purchase of 5th generation F-35 Lightning II aircraft.

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