DOPPELADLER.COM

Elbit Systems Ltd. and CN ROMARM S.A, through its subsidiary S Uzina Automecanica Moreni S.A. (UAM), have announced a cooperation agreement between the two companies in the field of artillery production.

As part of the agreement, the parties will establish a Romanian Artillery Center, with the participation of additional local companies to enhance the domestic industrial base, generate additional employment opportunities and establish a strong foundation for sovereign artillery production in Romania.

The cooperation agreement includes production of Elbit Systems’ 155mm ATMOS Advanced Mobile Howitzers including the transfer of know-how for the manufacturing, production, assembly and integration of the ATMOS howitzers. ROMARM and UAM will operate as the system integrator, with more than 50% of the total workshare. Moreni will also serve as a long-term local support and maintenance provider for the ATMOS Howitzers.

The partners are considering additional potential Romanian companies for participantion in the center of excellence including: ELMET International SRL, Bacau, a manufacturer of Electronic Cables and Mechanical subsystems; IOR Optics Company Bucharest, a producer of military and civilian-grade optics; Simultec SRL, a supplier of operational and tactical trainers and simulators for defence; Systematic, to supply and support the Tactical Communications Network, Fire Support software and C4I applications.

Under its howitzer acquisition program, Bucharest is currently evaluating offers to purchase 54 self-propelled 155mm howitzers along with related support vehicles, equipment and ammunition under a procurement valued at some RON 4.2 billion (U.S. $920 million).

Local sources say the bidders include German Krauss-Maffei Wegmann with its Panzerhaubitze 2000, Hanwha Aerospace with the K9 Thunder, and Turkey’s BMC with the T-155 Fırtına.

The howitzer contract is “estimated to be signed in 2024,” the spokesperson said.