Romania intends to produce ammunition in collaboration with the USA to NATO standards. The Minister of Economy, Bogdan Ivan, has signed the letters of request for the co-production of ammunition with the United States of America, targeting ammunition for Abrams tanks and artillery.
Bogdan Ivan, the Minister of Economy, signed on Wednesday the Letters of Request (Letter Of Request) for Letters of Offer and Acceptance, through which Romania and the United States will strengthen production capacities in the defense sector.
"Through these co-production projects of ammunition to NATO standards, we enhance the strength of the Romanian defense industry. Romania and the United States share common values and principles. With the implementation of the European Center of Excellence for NATO Ammunition, we will strengthen Romania's position as a security pillar and provider of strategic capabilities in the region.
"Based on this economic and military partnership with the United States, we will be able to develop both production and testing, homologation, and qualification capabilities," stated Bogdan Ivan.
The Letters of Request include the potential co-production of both NATO standard 155-millimeter artillery shells and ammunition for 120-millimeter NATO tanks.
The projects are part of a $920 million external military financing loan granted to Romania in September 2024 by the Department of State, as specified in the press release cited by Agerpres.
US Embassy: A crucial step towards strengthening the strategic partnership
The Embassy of the United States of America welcomed, on Wednesday, the signing by the Romanian Ministry of Economy of two letters of request (LOR) for letters of offer and acceptance (LOA) to explore ways in which the USA and Romania can enhance production capacities in the defense sector.
According to a statement from the US Embassy, quoted by Agerpres, the letters of request for the co-production of ammunition for Abrams tanks and artillery ammunition represent an "essential" first step in developing Romania's internal production capacity.
"The successful implementation of these types of co-production projects builds capacities across the region and strengthens our bilateral strategic partnership. This co-production will secure the supply chain for NATO, the United States, and Romania, making America and our allies safer," stated US Charge d'Affaires Michael Dickerson.