NATO missile defence system

Russia "has no hostile intention against Romania," Ambassador of Russia in Bucharest Valery Kuzmin told a press conference on Thursday.

Ambassador Valery Kuzmin talked about the premises of the Russia-Romania relationship, in the context of "a good neighborhood."

Romania's Foreign Minister Teodor Melescanu on Thursday said the ballistic missile shield at Deveselu is a strictly defensive military structure, explaining that his remarks come in relation to the Russian Defence Ministry having asked the US to destroy the Mk-41 launching system in the composition of the Deveselu shield, on the grounds that it would violate the Intermediate-Range Nucle

Russia's sophisticated S-400 anti-ballistic missile defense systems will be delivered to Turkey in 2019, state arms exporter Rosoboronexport has announced, amid the latter's feud with NATO allies over the deployment of these multibillion non-NATO systems on its soils, which have raised concern over the security of allied weaponry and radar systems. 

Turkish and U.S. officials will have a round table meeting on March 30 in Ankara as part of the 5th gathering of Turkey-U.S. Defense Trade Dialogue with procurement of Patriot missile defense systems are on the agenda of two NATO allies.

Turkey signed a letter of intent with France and Italy on Nov. 8 to strengthen cooperation on joint defence projects including air and missile defense systems, Turkish Defense Ministry sources said.

There is no harm in Turkey's missile defense system purchase from Russia, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said in response to U.S. top general's concerns over the issue, adding that the two countries have already signed a deal for the delivery of the S-400 missiles. 

The US State Department said on July 11 it is ready to approve the sale of Patriot air defense systems to Romania, a $3.9 billion deal likely to infuriate Russia.

"The State Department has made a determination approving a possible foreign military sale to Romania for Patriot air defense systems, related support and equipment," the State Department said.

Turkey's talks with Russia about the purchase of the S-400 air missile defense system have reached a "final stage," although this does not mean a deal will be signed immediately, Defense Minister Fikri Işık said on April 21.

Işık also told a news conference that NATO countries have not presented a "financially effective" offer on an alternative defense system. 

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, Romania's Prime Minister, Dacian Ciolos, and US Deputy Defence Secretary Bob Work took part in the ceremony that marked the activation the anti-missile system at the US Navy base at Deveselu.

The US Navy will formally inaugurate its new missile defence base in southern Romania on Friday once construction of the base is complete.

There are still some tests to be run before the system is fully operational, most likely by April next year, according to Romanian officials.