The U.S. Embassy has acknowledged the Romanian Ministry of Economy's signing of two Letters of Request (LOR) for Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOA). These agreements aim to explore joint defense production capabilities between the United States and Romania. The LORs pertain to the co-production of Abrams Tank ammunition and artillery ammunition, marking a significant step toward developing Romania’s domestic production capacity.
U.S. Chargé d’affaires Michael Dickerson commented on the initiative, stating, “Successful implementation of these types of co-production projects build capacity in the whole region and strengthen 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.”
Romanian Minister Bogdan Ivan expressed his views on the collaboration: “Through these NATO-standard munitions co-production projects, we are increasing the strength of the Romanian defense industry. Romania and the United States share common values and principles. The implementation of the NATO European Center of Excellence for Munitions will strengthen Romania’s position as a pillar of security and a provider of strategic capabilities in the region. Through this economic and military partnership with the United States, we will develop capabilities for production, testing, certification, and qualification.”
The LORs propose potential co-production efforts involving 155-millimeter artillery shells and 120-millimeter NATO tank ammunition. These initiatives are backed by a $920 million foreign military financing loan from the U.S. Department of State announced in September 2024.