Romania donates US Patriot missile defence system to Ukraine

The Supreme Council of Defense of Romania, presided over by President Klaus Iohannis, convened at the Cotroceni Palace on June 20, 2024.

A decision was made to donate a Patriot missile defence system to Ukraine. The meeting focused on several critical issues, notably the operational status and strategic significance of the Patriot missile defence systems, according to the foreign media.

The council's deliberations were influenced by the significant deterioration of the security situation in Ukraine. Russia's ongoing and intensified attacks on Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure, particularly within the energy sector, have created severe regional security repercussions. This escalating conflict has also posed direct implications for Romania's security, prompting a need for a responsive and coordinated stance with allied nations.

This decision was based on a technical evaluation conducted by Romanian authorities. All necessary measures have been implemented to mitigate any potential vulnerabilities that might arise from this transfer. Concurrently, Romania will continue its dialogue with allied partners to secure additional support and fortify its air defence infrastructure.

The Patriot PAC-2 missile system is a surface-to-air missile platform designed for intercepting aircraft and has been adapted to counter ballistic and cruise missiles. The Patriot PAC-3 missile system, on the other hand, uses hit-to-kill technology, which destroys targets through direct impact, providing higher precision.