Romania to produce Patriot missile components.

Raytheon, manufacturer of the Patriot missile systems for Romania, has sent a request to the Romanian company Aerostar Bacau in view of finding what components the local company could produce for the Patriot radar.

Raytheon Patriot air defense missile system (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Romania is paying $4.64 billion for seven Patriot systems, of which $910.1 million have already been transferred. Defense minister Mihai Fifor said he would try to use these contracts for radar components to also draw new orders for Romania’s defense industry.

According to Raytheon representatives, Aerostar Bacau – a private company specialized in manufacturing and repairing military and civil aircraft, and other defense systems – has the opportunity to deliver components for Romania’s Patriot systems as well as for the whole global Patriot inventory, which comprises about 220 units owned by 14 countries. “This represents a big market and a very good export opportunity for the Romanian defense industry,” said Tom Laliberty, a vice president of Raytheon’s Integrated Defense Systems division.

In October 2017, Raytheon also signed a cooperation agreement with Aerostar. On this base, the Romanian company will provide components and maintenance for the seven Patriot systems to be delivered to Romania.