BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — German defense company Rheinmetall and Romania's Uzina Automecanica Moreni have signed an agreement to produce eight-wheeled armored military vehicles in Romania.
The Romanian Military Vehicles Systems S.A. joint venture, launched Thursday, is split 50-50 between the two companies and will produce vehicles for Romania's Army.
Romanian officials said it was important that a company with Rheinmetall's experience help upgrade Romania's defense hardware and create jobs.
Neculai Banea, a defense official in the economy and trade industry, said: "It is a key moment in revitalizing the national defense industry."
No details were provided on how many military vehicles would be produced. Earlier reports said the Romanian Army needs at least 600 eight-wheeled military vehicles.