Romania wants to buy Javelin anti-tank missiles
The US State Department approved the sale of 263 Javelin anti-tank missiles to Romania, in a contract estimated at 80 million dollars. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which notified the US Congress in this regard, informs DIGI24.
"The Government of Romania has requested the purchase of 263 Javelin FGM-148F missiles and "26 command and launch units", reads a press release of the DSCA . The purchase also includes practice missiles - for simulated firing, "tactical air-to-ground missiles", technical support and "other equipment and associated services". The Javelin missiles are produced by a consortium of American arms companies Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.
"This possible sale will support US national foreign policy and national security objectives by contributing to strengthening the security of a NATO ally that is an important force for political and economic stability in Europe," reads the statement. Also, "the sale will improve Romania's ability to deal with current and future threats by building a long-term defensive capability consistent with its own defense requirements.
According to open public sources, the next-generation Javelin anti-tank missile would be capable of penetrating 800 mm of homogeneous rolled steel armor. In addition, the missile is fire-and-forget and has a top-attack option, which can be launched on a vertical trajectory to later hit a tank above, where the armor is much thinner.
