Romania orders additional Patriot systems from RTX for enhanced security $946-million deal

RTX has secured a $946-million contract to supply additional Patriot missile systems to Romania, enhancing the country’s air defence capabilities.

This marks Romania’s third order of the Patriot systems, following previous purchases in 2017 and 2020, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

The new deal includes the provision of advanced Patriot fire units, which comprise cutting-edge radars, control stations, and interceptor missiles. The systems will significantly strengthen Romania's defence infrastructure amidst rising regional threats.

Pete Bata, RTX’s Vice President for Global Patriot, underscored the importance of the agreement, noting that the additional systems will enable Romania to better safeguard its citizens and critical infrastructure. He also praised Romania’s ongoing commitment to the Patriot system, calling it “a testament to the nation’s dedication to ensuring collective security, deterrence, and stability across Europe.”

In line with the agreement, RTX will collaborate with local defence manufacturers in Romania to ensure a smooth and efficient supply chain for the new Patriot systems.

The Patriot system, officially known as Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target, is a versatile, long-range air defence system designed to counter a range of threats, including ballistic missiles, long-range cruise missiles, and other advanced aerial threats. Equipped with a track-via-missile guidance system, it can receive midcourse correction commands to improve accuracy during engagements.

The Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) variant, which Romania will receive, boasts a maximum engagement range of 150 kilometres (93 miles) and a radar detection range of 170 kilometres (105 miles). It has been successfully used in Ukraine, where it has intercepted various Russian threats, including Su-34 fighter jets and Kinzhal hypersonic missiles.

RTX reiterated that the Patriot system is the cornerstone of air defence for 19 nations worldwide. “Patriot continues to prove its effectiveness against sophisticated aerial threats and large-scale, complex raid attacks,” the company added.

By Tamilla Hasanova