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Pakistan and Romania to collaborate on defence production
March 29, 2024
Pakistan Minister of Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain and Romania's Ambassador to Pakistan Nicolae Goia. Photo credit: Associated Press of Pakistan

Pakistan and Romania to collaborate on defence production

The Associated Press of Pakistan reports Romania’s ambassador to Pakistan Nicolae Goia and Pakistan’s Minister of Defence Production (MoDP) Rana Tanveer Hussain agreed to enhance bilateral collaboration in defence production.

Notes & Comments:

Romania is in the process of recapitalizing its defence industry, especially in terms of producing modern weapon systems. Collaboration with overseas partners is essential to this effort.

The ATROM 155 mm self-propelled howitzer, which was developed by Aerostar S.A with support from the Israeli vendor Soltam Systems, is an example of this collaboration. The European aviation giant Airbus will also be reviving Romania’s Puma helicopter line, except with the H215 Super Puma, which Airbus Helicopters is positioning as a competitor to the Mil Mi-171.

Pakistan’s domestic defence needs are requiring its industry to refresh its product catalogues in many key areas, such as main battle tanks (MBT), armoured personnel carriers (APC), armoured fighting vehicles (AFV), small arms (e.g. assault rifles), to name a few. There is broad alignment in the overarching goals of the Romanian and Pakistani industries, i.e. offer new products. In this respect, they may collaborate in many ways, from workshare to joint investment in new programs.

Specifically, Romania may have an incentive to market the H215 Super Puma to Pakistan. The Super Puma sits in direct competition to the Mil Mi-171, which the Pakistan Army has grown accustomed to operating, and – at least in 2015 – had been interested in raising a complete maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre for the Hip and Hind platforms.