The Romanian defense ministry will allocate €14 billion to modernize the country’s armed forces, a record amount for the East European NATO member that borders Ukraine.
The expenditure is part of the Romanian Armed Forces’ modernization program and the Defense Ministry is currently signing several contracts to acquire new weapons, Ziarul Financiar reported.
The investment will be made over several years, but in 2024 alone, Romania will sign contracts worth over €3 billion, the ministry said.
Among the weapons that Romania will purchase in 2024 is the modern F-35A fighters in the amount of two squadrons, and the cost of the purchase is estimated at $6.5 billion.Additionally, contracts will be signed for the acquisition of Mistral 3 man-portable air defense systems worth €662 million.
Among other things, relevant aviation weapons will be purchased, including AIM-9X ($90 million), AIM-120 ($150 million) and GBU-39/B SDB precision bombs ($60 million).
Laser-guided aerial bombs for British Watchkeeper XR drones, SwitchBlade 300/600 loitering munitions, Javelin anti-tank missile systems, and ATACMS ballistic missiles for HIMARS will also be purchased.
