Romanian defence ministry seeks parliament's approval for Abrams tank procurement

The Romanian Ministry of National Defence requested on April 5 from the country's parliament preliminary approval for the purchase of 54 modernised American Abrams tanks.

“We are requesting preliminary approval from Parliament to start the procedure for awarding a contract under the Main Battle Tank equipment program, the first stage,” the Agerpres agency quotes the letter from the Ministry of Defence, TASS informs.

The request of the ministry has been submitted to the parliamentary defence commissions.

“The first stage of the equipment program, starting in 2023, provides for the acquisition of 54 modernised Abrams tanks of the M1A2 version and 12 in-service derivatives on tank chassis from the US Army depot, including ammunition and training stimulants."

The ministry also noted that the conditions for the implementation of programs to equip the army surfaced due to an increase in the budget of the Ministry of Defence, which accounts for 2.5% of GDP since early 2023. According to the ministry, these initiatives serve the objectives of the NATO and EU Defense Planning Program Transforming the Romanian Army 2040.