Romania approves purchase of 54 M1A2 Abrams tanks worth more than $1 billion

More than 50 American M1 Abrams tanks will appear in service with the Romanian army in the coming years. Commission on

Defense, Public Order and National Security approved the purchase of combat vehicles manufactured by General Dynamics.

What is known

Romania to order 54 M1A2 Abrams tanks as part ofarmy rearmament programs. The deal will amount to €1 billion ($1.08 billion). The process of buying tanks will begin in 2023, but the timing of the contract is not specified.

The deal will include the purchase of ammunition,related equipment and crew training. It is also known that 12 out of 54 M1A2 Abrams tanks will be delivered to Romania from the stocks of the US Department of Defense.

Note that initially Romania expressed a desirepurchase 200 M1 Abrams tanks from the US. This is reported by Defense Romania, citing industry sources familiar with the matter, who agreed to speak on condition of anonymity.