Ukraine and Romania discuss air defence, F-16 support, and joint drone production
Minister of Defence of Ukraine Evgeniy Khmara held a phone conversation with Romania’s new Minister of National Defence Ștefan-Radu Oprea and congratulated him on his appointment.
The parties discussed Black Sea security, supplies of munitions for F-16s and air defence systems, and opportunities for joint drone production.
Evgeniy Khmara thanked Romania for its assistance to Ukraine, in particular for logistical support through its territory. In this context, the ministers discussed russian attacks on ports and vessels in the Black Sea, the risks to both countries, and ways to counter them.
F-16 munitions and pilot training in Romania
Another important issue was the supply of munitions for F-16 aircraft to effectively counter jet-powered drones.
The Minister of Defence of Ukraine also thanked Romania for training Ukrainian pilots at the European F-16 Training Centre.
This support is important for Ukraine. The more trained pilots we have, the more aircraft we can deploy to protect Ukrainian skies, in particular to shoot down jet-powered drones.
Patriot, HAWK, and AIM-9 missiles to strengthen air defence
The parties also discussed Ukraine’s need for Patriot munitions to counter ballistic threats.
russia is intensifying its missile attacks, and ballistic missiles are among the main threats. That is why we need Patriot missiles so that our systems can protect people as well as civilian and critical infrastructure. In addition, Ukraine needs munitions to counter cruise missiles. This means missiles for HAWK air defence systems and AIM-9 missiles.
Joint drone production under the European SAFE programme
Another area of cooperation is joint drone production under the European SAFE programme.
Ukraine has technologies and experience that can be useful to our partners, and we are ready to develop mutually beneficial cooperation.
