Romania and US Launch Partnership on Abrams and 155mm Ammunition Supply Chain Resilience.

According to an official statement published by the U.S. Embassy in Romania on May 28, 2025, Romanian Minister of Economy Bogdan Ivan signed two Letters of Request (LOR) to initiate the co-production of 120mm ammunition for M1A2 Abrams tanks and 155mm NATO-standard artillery shells in cooperation with the United States.
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Simultaneously, the local manufacturing of 120mm tank ammunition for the M1A2 Abrams will ensure logistical compatibility with U.S. and allied platforms while reducing reliance on external supply chains (Picture source: US DoD)

These initiatives are part of a broader effort to strengthen Romania’s defense industry, to establish sovereign capacities for the production, testing, certification, and qualification of heavy ammunition. They are backed by a Foreign Military Financing (FMF) loan from the U.S. Department of State, approved in September 2024. Through this framework, Romania intends to position itself as a strategic production hub on NATO’s eastern flank.

The tank-related component of this partnership gained significance following the May 17, 2025, decision by Romania’s Chamber of Deputies Defense Committee to approve the acquisition of 54 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams main battle tanks. This deal, valued at $2.53 billion, had previously been authorized by the U.S. government in November 2023. The acquisition reflects Romania’s aim to modernize its armored forces and align them with NATO’s operational standards.

The M1A2 SEPv3 is currently among the most advanced main battle tanks in service. Developed by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS), it is designed to meet the requirements of modern combat environments through enhanced protection, firepower, and onboard systems. Its primary armament is a 120mm M256 smoothbore cannon capable of firing M829A4 kinetic energy rounds and programmable AMP multi-purpose munitions. Additional weapons include a remotely operated 12.7mm machine gun mounted on the CROWS station and a coaxial 7.62mm M240 machine gun.

The vehicle’s protection system features reinforced composite armor compatible with the Israeli Trophy active protection system, which intercepts incoming anti-tank projectiles. Onboard electronics include third-generation IFLIR thermal imaging, a data link for smart munitions, and a digital architecture designed for interoperability with NATO mechanized units.

Its propulsion system is based on a Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine engine producing 1,500 horsepower, supported by an auxiliary power unit that enables reduced-signature operations in silent mode. The tank’s chassis and suspension are optimized for tactical mobility, durability, and ease of maintenance in the field.

On the industrial front, the cooperation also includes the local production of 155mm artillery shells, a NATO-standard caliber that plays a key role in modern indirect fire operations. Romania plans to establish production lines capable of manufacturing both conventional projectiles (HE, smoke, illumination) and, in the long term, precision-guided munitions such as Excalibur and enhanced-charge variants. The objective is twofold: to secure Romania’s strategic autonomy and to support allied stockpiles.

Simultaneously, the local manufacturing of 120mm tank ammunition for the M1A2 Abrams will ensure logistical compatibility with U.S. and allied platforms while reducing reliance on external supply chains. Both ammunition types are considered critical in NATO doctrine, especially in high-intensity combat scenarios.

The launch of this co-production initiative comes at a pivotal time, as Western stockpiles of large-caliber ammunition have been significantly depleted due to sustained deliveries to Ukraine since 2022. The war in Ukraine has highlighted the exceptionally high rate of ammunition consumption in modern warfare, often exceeding doctrinal forecasts. This situation has led NATO member states to urgently replenish their inventories and relocate parts of their production to European territory.

In this context, Romania is gradually emerging as a key actor in the industrial and logistical reinforcement of the Alliance. The cooperation with the United States, beyond its bilateral scope, contributes to Europe’s strategic autonomy in ground-based munitions production. In the long term, Romanian production lines could serve national needs, support eastern-flank partners, and contribute to NATO missions in the region.