Textron, Aerostar team up to build armored vehicles for Romanian military

Textron, Aerostar team up for Romanian military

NEW ORLEANS — Textron Marine and Land Systems said Thursday it’s teaming up with Romanian defense contractor Aerostar SA to produce armored vehicles that will meet the Romanian military’s anticipated new requirements.

Textron Marine and Land Systems, which is based in New Orleans, makes boats as well as military vehicles. It’s a subsidiary of Providence, R.I.-based Textron Inc.

Romania, which joined NATO in 2004, has been trying to upgrade its military to meet NATO standards. But the country is mired in a deep recession. Last month, Romania’s government asked parliament to approve the purchase of 24 used F-16 fighter jets from the U.S.

Bacau, Romania-based Aerostar, which has supported Romanian and NATO forces since 1953, said the deal combines its manufacturing capabilities with Textron’s expertise. Textron has delivered more than 2,600 armored vehicles to the U.S. Army and other international customers since 2004. A majority of those vehicles are being used in Iraq and Afghanistan.