US troops first use Patriot systems in Romania. These air defense systems were previously deployed on Romanian territory.. Recall, that in the Romanian Deveselu there is an object of the American anti-missile defense system. Patriot deliveries to Romania were primarily driven by the need to cover the area. (Deveselu).
The servicemen of the American contingent used the Patriot air defense system during the "Saber Guardian 2021" maneuvers. The only anti-aircraft missile was launched. It was carried out by the fighters 5 anti-aircraft artillery battalion, which is the only American formation in Eastern Europe, armed with the Patriot air defense system.
The Eastern European press notes, that the American military command did not report that, which rocket was used during firing at a conventional air target. It is assumed, that it was either PAC-2, либо PAC-2 GEM-T (modifications MIM-104). There is no talk of a more modern modification of the PAC-3 MSE anti-missile.
Difficulties reported, which arose during the shooting from the Patriot air defense system in Romania. As it turns out, the Romanian side was unable to fully equip a large area for firing from the US air defense missile system. Work in this direction is carried out with 2019 of the year. Romanian test range is being brought to the standard for missile firing of Patriot complexes, located on the island of Crete (Greece).
celebrated, what exactly in connection with a certain inconsistency of the Romanian landfill with the requirements, during the Saber Guardian exercise from the Patriot complex and only one anti-aircraft missile was fired.
However, there is, that during the exercise, the Americans decided to use the army self-propelled air defense systems M1097 Avenger with a target range of up to 5,5 km. For such shooting, the area of the Romanian training ground was quite suitable..
#HappeningNow: @USArmy #Soldiers from 5-7 Air Defense Artillery Regiment fire a Patriot Missile Launcher during the #SaberGuardian 21 DV Day and Live Fire Exercise at Capu Midia, Romania. #DefenderEurope 21 #WeAreNATO pic.twitter.com/WHDmIov9sp
— U.S. Army Europe and Africa (@USArmyEURAF) June 9, 2021