The Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT) on Thursday to decide on the donation of a Patriot missile system to Ukraine.
This donation was made with the condition of continuing negotiations with NATO allies for Romania to obtain a similar air defense system in return, necessitating the “identification of a temporary solution to cover the operational vulnerability thus created,” according to a statement released after the CSAT meeting.
The Supreme Council of National Defense also emphasized that “Romania’s position is and will continue to be unequivocal in supporting Ukraine.”
Mentions from the CSAT Communication about the Patriot System:
- “The Ministry of National Defense presented to the Supreme Council of National Defense a detailed analysis of the operational status of the four PATRIOT systems, the progress of the procurement program with the other three systems, their national and allied operational importance, and the impact of a potential system transfer.
- Given the significant deterioration of the security situation in Ukraine due to Russia’s constant and massive attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, especially on energy infrastructure, and the regional consequences of this situation, including on Romania’s security, in close coordination with Allies, the members of the Council decided to donate a PATRIOT system to Ukraine.
- This donation is made with the condition of continuing negotiations by our country with the Allies, especially with the strategic partner, the United States, to obtain a similar or equivalent system that meets the need to ensure the protection of national airspace, modernize the Romanian Army, and ensure interoperability with the NATO system, also requiring the identification of a temporary solution to cover the operational vulnerability thus created.
- The decision was based on a thorough technical assessment by Romanian authorities, with all measures taken to eliminate the risk of creating potential vulnerabilities for Romania. At the same time, discussions will continue with allies to further strengthen the air defense of our country.
- Romania’s positioning is and will continue to be unequivocal in its multidimensional support for Ukraine, alongside the international community, in its legitimate right to self-defense against Russia’s illegal and unprovoked aggression.”
How many Patriot systems does Romania have?
The Ministry of National Defense stated that Romania should avoid transferring a Patriot missile system to Ukraine due to the risk of not recovering it in a conflict in which Russian forces could frequently attack Ukrainian military positions and installations.
Currently, Romania has ordered seven Patriot systems from the United States, totaling $4 billion, of which only four have been delivered so far. Presently, only two of these are operational, with the third expected to become operational by the end of this year and the fourth by early 2025.
Ukraine hopes to include a Patriot system from Romania in its desired military technology transfer, especially after US President Joe Biden urged allies to explore options for military support to Kiev.
On May 22, Klaus Iohannis stated that a decision on this transfer would be made exclusively within the Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT), also expressing dissatisfaction with the risk of Romania remaining without missile defense, given the different stages of operation of the four Patriot systems.
On May 7, President Klaus Iohannis expressed openness to discussions regarding the possibility of Romania providing Ukraine with a Patriot air defense system, stating this position following a meeting at the White House with US President Joe Biden.
“There is clearly a need for air defense systems, in this way, in the last few weeks, there has been intense discussion. Romania has these systems. We were also asked. President Biden mentioned it in our meeting and I said that I am open to discussing it. This means that it must be discussed in the CSAT to see what we can give and what we can receive in return, because it is not acceptable for Romania to remain without,” Klaus Iohannis declared at that time.
“I believe we will find a solution. It’s about one Patriot system. Believe me, I know more details, but yes, there is one functional system that will remain in Romania, the others which are in advanced stages of operationalization and one of these was being discussed,” Klaus Iohannis further affirmed.
