Romania confirms that it will send a Patriot system to Ukraine. Iohannis says, however, that the operational system remains in the country

It is a system out of the three currently being operationalized. The system that is already operational will not be sent to Ukraine.

“There is a need for advanced systems in Ukraine. In this way, in recent weeks there is an intense discussion about who can provide Patriot systems to Ukraine. Romania has such systems and I’m sure we’ve been asked too. And President Biden brought this matter up. I said we are open. I have to discuss at home in CSAT, let’s see what we can get in return because it is unacceptable for Romania to remain without air defense”, Iohannis pointed out.

The President of Romania also added that the negotiations to send a Patriot system to Ukraine are not being conducted for the operational one, but for one of those in the process of operationalization.

“I think we will find a solution. It is only one system, among the three that are in an advanced state of operationalization (along with the first Patriot system, already operationalized in November 2023 – no)”, the president of Romania also pointed out.

Romania’s acquisition of Patriot systems

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.

As seen in Ukraine, the Patriot system is vital to protect civilian or military targets against Iskander ballistic missile threats, but it is also confirmed that Patriot intercepted Kinjal hypersonic missiles in Ukraine.

It must be said that Romania has acquired a modern hardware and software configuration of Patriot systems in service, a configuration that has been tested in combat and is capable of engaging all types of current air threats.

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