Romania: Patriot missiles not aimed at increasing tensions with Russia
Romania has stressed that its possible purchasing of seven US-built Patriot missile defense systems is aimed at bolstering the country’s defense and not antagonizing Russia.
"We are not getting ready to attack anyone. We are preparing ... for our army to benefit from modern, efficient features. They are meant to defend us, to guarantee the security of Romanians," Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said on Saturday.
Earlier in the month, the US State Department announced that it has approved the possible sale of defense systems worth $3.9 billion to the NATO country Romania.
Romania is yet to formally announce the purchase of the missile defenses systems, whose main contractors would be Raytheon Co and Lockheed Martin Corp.
Romania has been part of NATO since 2004, and is committed to increase its defense spending to two percent of its gross domestic product this year.
NATO drills kick off in Romania
Meanwhile, NATO and partner countries have begun war games in Romania being overseen by high ranking NATO officials and Iohannis.
Soldiers from Romania, the US, Ukraine, Armenia and Croatia are taking part in the exercises, in which US and Romanian military aircraft are also present.
Read More:
- US deploys advanced missile system to Lithuania near Russia
- Russian, Tajik forces drilling combat readiness
- US-made Patriots deployed in Lithuania for NATO drills
The United States has deployed contingents of troops since Russia's reunification with Crimea following a referendum in March 2014. The US deployments have been supplemented by four NATO battle groups of more than 1,000 soldiers.
Western countries have moved to step up their military presence in Eastern Europe to deter what they call the Russian “aggression.”
Moscow is wary of NATO’s military build-up near its borders. In response, Russia has beefed up its southwestern military capacity, deploying nuclear-capable missiles to its Baltic enclave of Kaliningrad bordering Poland and Lithuania.
Ukraine running out of missiles to fight Russia: Zelensky
Germany's Scholz seeks collaboration with China in 'just peace' in Ukraine
Thousands of lawyers march in Madrid to demand decent social security
The struggles of Occupied Palestine
Ayatollah Khamenei exalts great Persian poet on Saadi Day
Iran’s Civil Defense examines country’s preparation for potential threats
FBI chief: Chinese hackers targeting critical US infrastructure
New York Times leaked memo on Gaza coverage reveals obfuscation of facts
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
Barbados officially announces recognition of Palestine as state
US Senate reauthorizes surveillance bill despite privacy concerns
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
