The Ministry of National Defense, through the General Directorate for Armaments, signed on Friday two purchase orders under the SAFE Program, worth over one billion euros, for the purchase of 12 Airbus H225 M multi-mission helicopters and 12 air surveillance radars from the French company Thales.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Defense, the documents were concluded with the General Directorate for Armaments of France, as the contracting authority.

* The first purchase order refers to the supply of 12 Airbus H225 M Caracal multi-mission helicopters, along with the initial logistical support package and personnel training.

The value of the purchase order is approximately 757 million euros, and the total approved value of the SAFE project is 852 million euros.

The helicopters will be equipped in a specific configuration for engaging ground targets, capable of performing attack, reconnaissance, surveillance and tactical protection missions, as well as specialized airborne assault missions during the day and night.

* The second purchase order is for the supply by the French company Thales of 12 Ground Master 200 MM/A aerial surveillance radars, together with the initial logistics package and personnel training.

The value of the purchase order is approximately 247 million euros, and the total approved value of the SAFE project is 258 million euros.

The radars are intended for the discovery/detection of aerial targets at short and medium distances, including those operating at low and very low altitudes. The radars will also allow the discovery and tracking, in adverse weather conditions and hostile electromagnetic environments, of classic aircraft, unmanned aerial platforms, guided/unguided missiles and other threats.

Defense Minister Radu Miruta explained in a press conference on Friday that the first radar will be supplied by Thales 11 months after the signing of the contract, intended for the detection of drones flying at low altitude.

In the case of helicopters, the supply begins after approximately three years.

The two SAFE projects are being carried out within the framework of joint acquisitions with other European states, with France being the lead nation.

Equipment deliveries will be carried out in stages, according to the delivery schedule established by the purchase orders, until 2030. AGERPRES(RO - writing by: Eusebi Manolache; EN - writing by: Bogdan Gabaroi)

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