France has deployed in Romania, where it is acting as a framework nation for NATO forces, a latest-generation ground-to-air defense system in the face of the threats posed by the conflict in Ukraine, the state said on Thursday 19 May. -Major of the Armies.
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"
Implemented by a hundred airmen, the Mamba medium surface-to-air system (...) can provide a bubble of protection for the benefit of the forces operating in the area
", indicated the French general staff in a statement.
Colonel Pascal Ianni, spokesperson for the general staff, explained during a press briefing that the Mamba system was "
above all intended to protect the NATO air base
" which hosts several thousand soldiers.
"
It's his first vocation
," he insisted.
Four additional battalions
The system is connected to the Romanian defense system and to that of NATO, which is in charge of it.
The French armies have been present in Romania since February 26.
But this emergency deployment of some 500 soldiers has since been made permanent, alternating with a Belgian or Dutch company.
"
It is one of the 4 additional battalions deployed by NATO on the eastern flank of Europe
" with Slovakia, Hungary and Bulgaria, the statement said.
This deployment is part "
in the framework of the reinforcement of the deterrent and defensive posture of NATO on the eastern flank of Europe
", underlines the staff.
"
We have never been so committed to NATO missions and on the eastern flank of Europe
," said Colonel Ianni.
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The French Minister for the Armed Forces Florence Parly went to Romania in March to meet the soldiers deployed there.
“
The Alliance does not threaten Russia.
Europe does not threaten Russia.
Nobody is threatening Russia
, ”she declared to a thousand soldiers from seven NATO nations, at the Mihail Kogalniceanu base, near Constanta (South-East).
"
On the other hand, it is up to us to show Russia that our unity is flawless when it comes to defending our allies
," she said.
