US to approve sale of missile systems to Romania

The US Department of State has approved a potential sale of Patriot air defense systems to Romania worth USD 3.9 billion.

This was announced by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Sputnik reported.

The US Congress has 30 days to to raise objections to the sale - "though this is unlikely given that Romania is a NATO partner with important geo-strategic access to the Black Sea," AFP reported.

"Romania will use the Patriot missile system to strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats," a statement issued by the agency said, adding:

"The proposed sale will increase the defensive capabilities of the Romanian military to guard against aggression and shield the NATO allies who often train and operate within Romania's borders."

Patriot a mobile air-defense system designed to intercept tactical ballistic missiles, low-flying cruise...