Romania Complies with Washington’s Demands, Sends Patriot System to Ukraine

After public discussions regarding the opportunity of donating the only functional Patriot system to Ukraine following Washington’s demands, Romania decided to comply with the US orders.

On Thursday, June 20, the Supreme Council for Country’s Defence approved the anti-missile system to be sent to Ukraine. This decision follows the demand expressed by the current US President, Joe Biden, and the constant pressures exerted on Romania to comply.

The decision has been constantly criticized, even by Romania’s Army officers. Notably, the Romanian Army mentioned that the country should not send the only functional anti-missile system to Ukraine. The Ministry of Defense clearly states, in a document already sent to President Johannis, that Romania will not cede any PATRIOT system to Ukraine, at least not at this moment. The report does not show that our country remains exposed but that the heads of the Army fear that Romania will not be able to recover this system once sent to a theatre of war.

According to President Zelensky, Ukrainians need two Patriot systems for Kharkiv – and much more. You can’t find Patriot systems at the supermarket. They are pretty few, challenging to produce, there are many promises, and Taiwan is also waiting for them. The big problem, the political pressure President Biden has put on Romania, in my opinion, is almost crushing. Romania’s big dilemma is that there are elections. Romania’s second dilemma is that Poland does not give Patriot. If Poland had given Patriot, it was impossible to say “no”. If Poland does not give a Patriot, it is tough to convince why you give it.

Professor Dan Dungaciu on the political pressure exerted by Joe Biden on Romania

The formal request was made in Washington this month when Romania’s President Klaus Johannis met Joe Biden. At that moment, when asked by the journalists, Johannis avoided a direct answer to whether Romania would deliver a Patriot system to Ukraine.

Considering the significant deterioration of the security situation in Ukraine as a result of Russia’s constant and massive attacks on civilians and civil infrastructure, especially on the energy sector, as well as the regional consequences of this situation, including on Romania’s security, in close coordination with the Allies, Council members decided to donate a PATRIOT system to Ukraine.

Decision’s motivation in the Supreme Council for Country’s Defence

Global Patriot™ Solutions is an anti-missile defence system consisting of radar, command and control technology and multiple types of interceptors, all working together to detect, identify and neutralize tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones, advanced aircraft and other threats.

Patriot is the basis of the anti-aircraft and anti-missile defence of 18 countries.

It is manufactured by the U.S. defence contractor Raytheon and derives its name from the radar component of the weapon system. The AN/MPQ-53 at the heart of the system is known as the “Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target,” a backronym for “Patriot.”