Aerostar Bacău and Lockheed Martin successfully collaborated to establish the maintenance center for HIMARS rocket launchers

Aerostar Bacău and Lockheed Martin successfully collaborated to establish the maintenance center for HIMARS rocket launchers, which played a crucial role in the Russo-Ukrainian conflict.

“As a result of the collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Aerostar S.A., the National Maintenance Center for HIMARS® Systems was established through Government Memorandum No. 5555/31.10.2023,” announces Aerostar Bacău.

The inauguration ceremony is taking place today, on 30.05.2024, at Aerostar Bacău.

“The event will be attended by national and local officials, as well as representatives from LOCKHEED MARTIN and AEROSTAR S.A.,” the source further specifies.

The Romanian Army will possess 54 HIMARS multiple launchers, which became truly renowned after being delivered to the Ukrainians who managed to inflict heavy casualties on the Russian occupying forces. The pivotal role in the successful counteroffensive during the summer-autumn of 2022 was represented by HIMARS.

Romania’s contract for HIMARS amounted to approximately $1.5 billion.

Aerostar Bacău stands as a successful example in Romania’s defense industry, owing to its ability to work with cutting-edge technology such as the HIMARS system and F-16 aircraft, while providing high-level maintenance and upgrade services.

Earlier this winter, the Minister of Defense, Angel Tîlvăr, expressed appreciation for Lockheed Martin’s efforts to develop in Romania, in Bacău, through Aerostar, the Maintenance Center for the HIMARS system. Additionally, the Romanian official emphasized Aerostar’s significant role in maintaining the F-16 aircraft in the Romanian Air Force’s inventory.

At the end of last year, Derco, a Lockheed Martin group company, concluded an agreement with Aerostar S.A. for the repair of landing gear, wheels, and brakes, to ensure the maintenance of the Romanian Air Force’s F-16 fleet. This partnership led to reduced turnaround times and improved logistics for mission readiness.

Moreover, at Aerostar Bacău, the F-16 aircraft recently acquired by Romania will be upgraded to the next standard. This follows Romania’s purchase of 32 F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from Norway, at a cost of €388 million, to facilitate the transition to F-35.

The 32 Norwegian F-16 AM/BM aircraft are in configuration M6.5.2, and the contract includes spare engines and logistic support.