Sentinel Systems On Romania's Radar

Romania is set to boost its air-defence capabilities by spending $110 million on four new sets of Raytheon Sentinel radar systems.

As per a Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) press statement this week the Government of Romania has asked permission to purchase four of Raytheon's AN/MPQ-64 F1 systems, which are mobile versions configured for use with the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS 2) jointly produced by Raytheon and Kongsberg.

The Sentinel system can track missiles, drones, planes and helicopters: it communicates targets' range, bearing and elevation to front-line air-defence weapons to help counter threats from fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, incoming missiles, and uncrewed aerial systems.

The pulse-Doppler radar can be installed at fixed sites or deployed with mobile air-defence systems; it is designed to have high resistance to electronic countermeasures. As per the company website, more than 300 Sentinel radars are in use around the world by the U.S. Army, NATO allies and other friendly nations.

Under the terms of the potential $110 million sale approved this week by the U.S. State Department, Romania will also acquire associated IP encryptors, friend-or-foe identification systems, GPS receivers, anti-spoofing equipment, and associated training and logistical support.

As per the DSCA release the deal would also require up to five years of on-location training and support from a ten-strong team of U.S. Government officials and defence contractors.

It noted: "The proposed sale will improve Romania’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing a credible force that is capable of deterring adversaries and participating in NATO operations."

• You can read more details on the DSCA website