The US State Department approved the sale of Sentinel aerial surveillance radar systems to Romania, the US Embassy in Bucharest announced on Monday.
“The Romanian government has requested the purchase of up to four Sentinel AN/MPQ-64 F1 radar systems. The Sentinel system is capable of detecting a wide range of aerial objects and will significantly increase Romania’s deterrence and defense capacity against potential threats”, according to a statement sent on Monday by the US Embassy.
The cited source states that the first two systems, with an initial total value of approximately 90 million dollars, will be financed mainly through grants from the Foreign Military Financing fund of the US State Department.
“The acquisition by Romania of the Sentinel radar system highlights the long-term partnership in the field of security between the two countries. These radar systems will considerably increase the degree of early warning for potential threats to cities and critical infrastructure in Romania and will better protect the territory and citizens of Romania. The acquisition of Sentinel improves the security of Romania, our NATO ally and an important force for political and economic stability in Europe”, said the US ambassador to Romania, Kathleen Kavalec, quoted in the press release.
The Ministry of National Defense welcomed the notification to the US Congress sent by the State Department regarding Romania’s purchase of AN/MPQ-64 F1 Sentinel radar systems.
“The procurement program includes a number of up to four AN/MPQ-64 F1 radars, including logistical support, training services, communications equipment, technical assistance and transport services, to equip the air defense battalions with the ground base of the Forces Romanian land. The radars will contribute to the improvement of airspace surveillance, especially against the latest threats represented by unmanned aerial vehicles, with low travel speeds and reduced radar footprints”, reads a press release from the MApN.
According to the same source, for the purchase of the first two radars it will be possible to use the financing instruments offered by the US Government through the Foreign Military Financing program, which will allow contracting in the shortest possible time after the signing of the Letter of Offer and Acceptance type agreement.
“The latest generation radars of the Sentinel type will complement Romania’s air defense capabilities, especially in terms of the early detection of unmanned aerial vehicles, which evolve at low travel speeds and have reduced radar footprints, threats that manifest themselves in the proximity of the borders national, in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine”, said the Minister of Defense, Angel Tîlvăr, quoted in the press release.
Source: www.cotidianul.ro
