The National Defense Ministry intends to acquire sea patrol vessels, drones and tugboats for the Romanian Navy, Ministry representatives said on Tuesday, adding that Navy equipment and modernization programs will enjoy special attention this year, both in the deep-sea and river components.

Thus, the National Defense Ministry intends to continue the ”Mine Hunter” program and is considering the purchase of maritime patrol vessels, fast dispatch boats, maritime tugboats, man-portable anti-aircraft systems (MANPAD), V-BAT unmanned aircraft systems, radio stations, CBRN equipment and multi-purpose wheeled transport platforms.

The Navy minesweeper, frigates, missile carriers, maritime support and diving response ships and corvettes will also be upgraded.

The National Defense Ministry currently has over 70 significant equipment and procurement programs underway for all categories of forces (Land, Air Force, Navy and Special Operations Force). Of these, 30 programs have ongoing contracts.

Activities are also underway to initiate by the end of 2025 the procurement procedures for 10 new equipment programs.

The Defense Ministry reminds that the U.S. government has decided to approve the delivery to Romania of three PATRIOT systems, which were already part of the military equipment program; in addition to these, partners from three NATO member states financially contributed for the system Romania handed over to Ukraine, with Romania only paying for the transport and, most likely, the VAT.

AGERPRES