Romania Acquires Sentinel Radar Systems from the U.S.

The Romanian Ministry of National Defence announced the notification sent to the U.S. Congress by the Department of State regarding Romania's purchase of AN/MPQ-64 F1 Sentinel Radar Systems through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) security assistance program.

The procurement involves up to four AN/MPQ-64 F1 radars, along with logistics support, training services, communications equipment, technical assistance, and transportation services to enhance the ground-based air defense capabilities of the Romanian Armed Forces.

The new radar systems are expected to improve airspace surveillance, particularly against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) characterized by low travel speeds and minimal radar signatures. Funding for the first two radars will be provided through the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) Program, facilitating prompt contracting following the signing of the Letter of Offer and Acceptance agreement, which is anticipated to be issued by the U.S. Government in the upcoming weeks.

The AN/MPQ-64 F1 Sentinel is a three-dimensional radar system designed to measure the distance, direction, and elevation of aerial targets, relaying data to Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) systems. Produced by Raytheon, this mobile X-band pulse Doppler radar provides 360-degree coverage and can detect and track UAVs, cruise missiles, and aircraft up to 120 km away. Its narrow “pencil beam” technology allows high-resolution tracking of over 60 targets simultaneously, enhancing situational awareness while including an IFF system to reduce misidentification.

Key features include Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM), broad surveillance volume, and rapid deployment with minimal personnel. Weighing about 1,800 kilograms, it can be transported by vehicles or helicopters. Integrated into the NASAMS 2 system, the Sentinel features commercial off-the-shelf electronics for improved detection and tracking of threats.

Set up in under 15 minutes, it operates with a two-person crew and integrates with NASAMS for missile guidance. Mounted on a Mercedes G-Class 4x4 vehicle, it supports systems like the AIM-120 AMRAAM in targeting. Initially developed for NASAMS and entering service in 1995, the Sentinel offers 360-degree coverage with a scan rate of 30 rotations per minute and supports remote operation and data transmission.