United States to Deploy Abrams Tanks to Romania as Part of NATO Plans

The United States will deploy a unit of American troops equipped with M1A2 Abrams tanks to Romania.

This is related to the rotational basis on NATO’s southeastern flank, which does not mean an increase in troop numbers, said Gheorghiță Vlad, commander of the Romanian Armed Forces and chief of the Romanian General Staff. His words are quoted by Romania Journal with reference to TVR.

The US has agreed to improve the quality and lethality of the forces deployed in Romania, in particular those equipped with Abrams tanks.

In addition, the Romanian General Staff agreed on this issue with the Supreme Commander of NATO’s Allied Forces in Europe during his visit to Romania.

And they secured NATO’s confirmation that it would maintain its commitments to provide forces for the country’s defense in accordance with regional plans.

“The United States has agreed to maintain the same level of force contribution and, in addition, to improve the quality and lethality of the forces deployed in Romania. A detachment of American soldiers equipped with Abrams tanks will be deployed in the near future,” the general added.

In October, the US announced that it would reduce its military presence in Romania by withdrawing a battalion from the rotational brigade assigned to NATO’s southeastern flank, while leaving about 1,000 troops in the country.

In addition to American troops, Romania is hosting numerous European troops. As do other European countries.

The total number of American and European troops remaining in the country after Washington’s decision to reduce its presence is about 3,500 soldiers.

Recently, Romanian Army Commander Gheorghiță Vlad stated that Romania, as a close ally of Moldova, is ready to help it if the country is attacked by Russia.