Nov 15, 2023. Posted by Balkan Periscope - Hellas
The first
live firings with the PATRIOT system, integrated into the Romanian Air Forces
in 2020, take place at the Capu Midia firing range as part of the PATRIOT SPARK
23 exercise, Romanian media write.
The event, scheduled a year ago, aims to validate and verify the system’s functionality. It was attended by Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, Senate Speaker Nicolae Ciucă, and the U.S. Ambassador to Romania, Kathleen Kavalec.
This
exercise represents the inaugural test of Romania’s PATRIOT missile system, a
culmination of years of planning and cooperation between Romania and the United
States. It will provide Romania with not only the most advanced air defense
system in the world, but also establish Romania as a leader in air and missile
defense in the NATO alliance. The exercise demonstrated the PATRIOT system’s
ability to identify, track, and neutralize aerial targets.
This
exercise represents Romania’s continued investment in Black Sea security and
deterrence. As the world watches malign actors use missiles to terrorize and
attack peaceful nations, Romania provides strong and vigilant defense of the
NATO’s eastern flank.
The
Ministry of Defense announced that, from November 2 to 17, the PATRIOT SPARK 23
exercise is taking place at the Capu Midia firing range, during which the first
live firings with the PATRIOT system, integrated into the Romanian Air Forces
in 2020, are being conducted.
“The
PATRIOT surface-to-air missile system is used to counter threats by
identifying, tracking, and neutralizing airborne targets. During the exercise,
the airborne targets are simulated by various types of drones and will be
engaged with PAC-2 ATM missiles,” officials from the Ministry of Defense
stated.
This
exercise aims to ‘validate and verify the functioning of the first PATRIOT
surface-to-air missile system integrated into the Romanian Air Forces in 2020,
as well as prepare for the enhancement of operational capability.’
‘The
exercise was planned a year in advance of execution and is included in the Main
Activities Plan of the Air Force General Staff,’ the Ministry of Defense
further conveyed.
Today marks
the ‘Distinguished Visitors Day’ of the tactical exercise with troops and live
firings PATRIOT SPARK 23 at the Capu Midia air-to-ground firing range. The
program includes conducting an exercise to counter airborne threats, involving
the identification, tracking, and neutralization of airborne targets by the
PATRIOT surface-to-air missile system.
“This
exercise is a testament to the dedication of Romania’s government and armed
forces to develop one of the most modern and effective militaries on the
European continent,” Ambassador Kavalec said while attending the event.
She noted
that “Shooting a missile out of the sky is incredibly difficult, but as
today’s exercise shows the highly dedicated operators have the skills and the
tools to do exactly this.”
Ambassador
Kavalec emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Romania Strategic Partnership and
the strong security-cooperation relationship between the two countries. “Today’s
exercise is one example of the mutual vision of peace and stability, and the
United States government is here to support and collaborate with Romania.”
Ambassador
Kavalec congratulated Romania for its continued investments to defend its
sovereign territory and strengthen the NATO alliance.
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