Romania is part of a group of 14 NATO countries that intends to acquire a new air and missile defense system. European allies are seeking to boost their defense capabilities in the context of the threat of Russian invasion.
The decision to acquire the new system was taken by defense ministers from all 14 countries in Brussels.
The ministers, led by the German representative, signed a letter of intent for the development of a “European Sky Shield Initiative” (ESSI). The new network will be made out of Arrow 3 and Patriot air defense systems.
“This commitment is even more crucial today, as we witness the ruthless and indiscriminate missile attacks by Russia in Ukraine, killing civilians and destroying critical infrastructure. In this context, I strongly welcome Germany’s leadership in launching the European Sky Shield Initiative”, said NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană. “The new assets, fully interoperable and seamlessly integrated within the NATO air and missile defence, would significantly enhance our ability to defend the Alliance from all air and missile threats”, he stated.
Aside from supporting the Sky Shield initiative, Romania will also acquire three of the now-famous Bayraktar drones made in Turkey and the Iron Dome air defense system used by Israel, according to Defense Minister Vasile Dîncu.
