Europe's first HIMARS missile defence maintenance centre was inaugurated yesterday in Bacau

Europe's first HIMARS missile defence systems maintenance centre was inaugurated yesterday in Bacau, in the presence of Defence Minister Angel Tilvar. He said that Romania is thus securing a strategic advantage by securing the maintenance of its own systems in the country. In addition, the new centre also has an impact on the economic development of the area, Minister Tilvar said.

Angel Tilvar: "We have managed to have equipment of the highest quality, state-of-the-art technology and, last but not least, here I am also referring to what we are aiming at for the Romanian Army, I mean equipment that will ensure our operational needs. I appreciate the fact that 2.000 people have a job here in Bacau.

We had the opportunity to visit the places where they work and my colleagues and I believe that these are places where people work in good conditions. Last but not least, I appreciate the fact that there is a concern of this company for specialised education. Dual education has found its place here in Bacau and it is a very good thing."

The Bacau centre is being set up in partnership with Lockheed Martin, a company with which there is also a collaboration for the maintenance of Romania's Black Hawk helicopters and F-16 aircraft, Radio Romania News correspondent Gabriel Pop transmitted.

Translated by: Radu Matei