November 17 (SeeNews) - Romania's government said it approved an investment of 847.6 million lei ($179.5 million/ 172.1 million euro) for the acquisition of an integrated communication system for its army.
The defence ministry will award a multi-year supply contract for 13 integrated communications and IT systems for battalion-level structures in three configurations and four command point systems for brigade-level structures in two configurations, as well as initial logistical support, the government said in a press release on Wednesday.
The equipment will serve the general staff of the Land Forces.
"The manufacture and maintenance on the national territory of the deployable integrated communication & information system for NATO missions-assigned infantry battalions and brigade-type command post systems and equipment will ensure interoperability with other similar military capabilities of NATO member states, and Romania's participation in the development and support of the European industrial and technological base for defence," the government said.
Earlier this month, the government decided to contribute 3.4 million euro ($3.41 million) annually to NATO's 1 billion euro Innovation Fund, aiming to boost domestic research and development.
Romania, which joined NATO in 2004, has said it plans to spend a total of 9.8 billion euro until 2026 to boost its defence capabilities. In March, Romanian president Klaus Iohannis announced that Romania needs to increase defence spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product from 2%, following the Russian invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.
($=0.9587 euro)