U.S. defense leaders showcased world-class capabilities at the Black Sea Defense and Aerospace (BSDA) exhibition, strengthening the U.S. - Romania Strategic Partnership, the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest said on Friday.
According to the Embassy's statement, this year's BSDA expo highlights cutting-edge contributions of premier U.S. defense companies, "showcasing American innovation and excellence". The United States has the largest international presence at the May 13 - 15 expo, the cited statement notes.
"Held biannually in Bucharest, the defense trade show is the largest in the region. This year's event takes on added significance, coinciding with Freedom250 celebrations marking 250 years since America's founding, and a quarter millennium of enduring American values," the Embassy said.
U.S. Ambassador to Romania Darryl Nirenberg toured the expo and met with leading American aerospace and defense companies, underscoring a shared commitment to modernizing Romania's Armed Forces and enhancing NATO interoperability, the Embassy went on to say.
The opening event was also attended by Michael Dickerson, Deputy Chief of Mission, alongside Romanian government officials, military and law-enforcement representatives, and NATO member-state delegations.
The U.S. military delegation attending BSDA included: Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Geraghty, Director of the Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate, Brig. Gen. Jon Taylor, Director of Joint Staff, Alabama National Guard and Brigadier General Allen Pepper, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command (USASAC). Secretary of the Air Force for International Relations (SAF/IA) was represented by Jake Stronko.
According to the statement, Key U.S. business participants at BSDA include:
- Lockheed Martin: a cornerstone of the bilateral defense relationship for nearly 30 years, its extensive portfolio supports Romania's multi-domain capabilities, including F-16 fighters, S-70M Black Hawk helicopters, C-130 transport aircraft, HIMARS rocket systems, and PAC-3 MSE air-defense interceptors, and future deliveries of F-35s;
- RTX: the leader in advanced air- and missile-defense systems, state-of-the-art airborne sensors, and sophisticated counter-UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) solutions;
- Northrop Grumman: a key partner in advancing Romania's airpower modernization by providing critical capabilities that ensure seamless integration and communication with U.S. and NATO allied forces;
- General Dynamics: an important part of the strategic partnership, undertaking initiatives aimed at land-force modernization while simultaneously expanding Romania's domestic defense-industrial capacity;
- Motorola Solutions: a vital partner for over 25 years, providing the essential infrastructure for Romania's national security and public safety communications.
More than 400 companies from 36 countries have registered to participate in this year's BSDA, including over 50 U.S. defense and aerospace companies, further strengthening U.S. - Romania security cooperation, the Embassy said.
