Romania Inaugurates $1.5 Billion HIMARS Missile System Maintenance Center in Bacău

On May 30, 2024, Romania officially opened the national Maintenance Center for the HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) at Aerostar Bacău. This center is a result of a collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Aerostar SA and represents a significant investment of $1.5 billion.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Minister of defense, Angel Tîlvăr, along with local officials and representatives from both Romanian and U.S. companies. The center will provide technical support for the 54 HIMARS systems purchased by Romania from the U.S. Government.

This facility marks a significant development in Romania's defense capabilities, ensuring the operational readiness of its HIMARS systems. The HIMARS system has gained popularity following its effective use in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, highlighting its importance in modern warfare.

Ray Piselli, Lockheed Martin's Vice President of international business, stated, *"At Lockheed Martin, we're proud of our longstanding strategic partnership with Romania, which is delivering meaningful partnerships that promote innovation and resilience to enhance Romania’s < a href="https://www.defenseromania.ro/aerostar-and-lockheed-martin-open-europe-s-first-himars-sustainment-centre-in-romania-ukrainian-himars-can-also-be-repaired-here_628518.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">defence industrial base. "*

Why this matters: This development has significant implications for regional security and defense capabilities, particularly in the context of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The establishment of this maintenance center could lead to increased cooperation and interoperability among NATO allies and partners, enhancing their collective defense posture.

The center is expected to create and sustain high-value jobs in Romania and deliver increased readiness with lower operational costs for the Romanian Land Forces. Additionally, it will provide maintenance services for HIMARS systems operated by Romania and its NATO partners, including Ukraine.

Alexandru Filip, General Director of Aerostar, expressed, *"Today's event further expands our strategic relationship with Lockheed Martin, a world leader in aerospace and defence. This relationship is sustaining Aerostar with new technical capabilities and knowledge and firmly positioning us within Lockheed Martin’s global supply chain which could open the door to new and promising prospects in the future. "*

Romania's acquisition of the HIMARS systems began in 2021, making it the first European user of the system. The HIMARS system is a combat-proven asset that offers deterrence against aggression and significantly enhances the capabilities of NATO allies and partners worldwide.

Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr emphasized the strategic advantage of having a secured maintenance solution for Romania's HIMARS systems within the country. He also noted the economic impact, stating, "No less than 2,000 people from Bacău will work here in high-skilled positions, thanks to the involvement of one of the most important companies in the national industry, Aerostar Bacău."

The establishment of the HIMARS maintenance center in Bacău highlights Romania's commitment to enhancing its military capabilities and supporting its defense infrastructure. With this facility, Romania is set to play a key role in maintaining the operational readiness of HIMARS systems across the region.

Key Takeaways

• Romania opens national HIMARS maintenance center at Aerostar Bacău.
• $1.5 billion investment, collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Aerostar SA.
• Center provides technical support for 54 HIMARS systems purchased from the US.
• Facility enhances Romania's defense capabilities and regional security.
• Center to create high-value jobs, provide maintenance services for NATO partners.