The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified of a prospective foreign military sale to Romania.
The deal encompasses sixteen Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs) and associated equipment, with a total estimated cost of £87 million ($120.5 million).
According to the official notification, “The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Romania of sixteen (16) Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $120.5 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.”
Romania has requested a variety of equipment, including “sixteen (16) Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs), Personnel Variant (AAVP-7A1); three (3) Assault Amphibious Vehicles, Command Variant (AAVC-7Al); two (2) Assault Amphibious Vehicles, Recovery Variant (AAVR-7Al); sixteen (16) 50 Cal Machine Guns (Heavy Barrel); and five (5) 7.62 mm M240B Machine Guns.”
Additional items include MK-19 Grenade Launchers, M36E T1 Thermal Sighting Systems (TSS), and a broad selection of support and training equipment.
The proposed sale is intended to aid the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States, as it will enhance the security of a NATO ally, Romania. The notification further states that “It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Romania in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defence capability.”
The potential sale will boost Romania’s capacity to face current and future threats by modernising its military and fortifying its expeditionary capabilities. The notification assures that “Romania will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its armed forces.” and that “The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.“
I thought these things were unsafe and not to be used in the sea?
An unusual purchase for Romania too? They’re next to Ukraine, so maybe for crossing the Danube or coastal and regional security? Didn’t know they have any expeditionary forces. But good on them.