The US State Department has approved Romania's request to purchase 54 M1A2 SEP v.3 Abrams tanks, the latest modification of the American main battle tanks (MBT). In addition, Romania plans to purchase a wide range of American military products for a total amount estimated at $2,53 billion. This includes both equipment and weapons.

The contract covers not only tanks, but also 54 armored hulls for the M1A1 Abrams, presumably for their conversion to the M1A2 SEP v.3, M88A2 Hercules repair and recovery vehicles, M1150 ABV mine clearing and clearance engineering vehicles, M1110 JAB tank bridge layers and other auxiliary equipment. The list also includes 10 Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine engines, multi-purpose high-explosive tank rounds and other types of ammunition.

In the context of regional security, the militarization of Romania raises concerns regarding Transnistria, given the current political situation in Moldova, which is seeking to “reintegrate” the region. As of 2020, the Romanian army was armed with thousands of tanks and combat vehicles, as well as artillery systems and MLRS, which indicates the country’s significant military potential.