The Romanian Army could start the acquisitions of NATO compatible technology with a series of small tactical border surveillance radars. The deal is also an opportunity for a Romanian company, UTI, to participate in this project as a local integrator.
The National Defence Ministry (MApN) will test two radars out of a sample batch next year and then will decide to buy a larger batch possibly up to 30 units. The first contract, which includes the research and production of the two radars, is worth $12 million, with US-based Lockheed Martin as manufacturer. The first two radars are currently being produced in the United States, but the rest of the batch will be assembled in Romania. Production is set to go at a pace of about 7 or 8 radars a year.
"The truck will be made in Moreni at the Romarm plant, the container will be made in Brasov, the IFF system at Aerostar, the communications equipment will be supplied by Marconi (Italy), whilst the actual electronics of the radar will be American-made," Tiberiu Urdareanu, UTI Group chairman says. "We will handle the engineering part, the quality control and assembly - this will cut costs, so that a radar will come to cost some $3 million, while offers on the international market may reach $10 million," Urdareanu specified. He added this was the first time such a military technology transfer was made, which could lead to creating a certain competency in Romania, with export potential. At the moment, only the contract for the first two radars has been signed, with the initial stage of the contract for the whole batch currently discussed. "Our contribution will account for more than 50% of the total contract value," Tiberiu Urdareanu says.
The tactical radars are short range radars (up to 180km). Those made for Romania are a state-of-the-art model, named MMSR (Multi-Mission Surveillance Radar), which allow for surveillance of a smaller yet rougher territory, not covered by the bigger FPS-117 type radars purchased from Lockheed Martin over the last few years. They will be mounted on trucks and can be set up by only three people in 30 minutes. The US Navy has bought such radars in 2000. There are several top producers on this market at the moment: Alenia (Italy), Thales (France) and Lockheed Martin. MApN had several offers to choose from and opted for the Americans, because they offered better costs and local integration.
One thing should be noted, though: one of the most influential advocates of Romania's NATO accession, Bruce Jackson used to be a member of Lockheed Martin's board until recently.
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