BUCHAREST (Reuters) -Romania’s defence ministry has asked parliament to approve a plan to acquire hundreds of Abrams tanks as well as ammunition, parts and training worth more than $7 billion, it said in a statement on Tuesday.

The European Union and NATO member signed a first contract to buy 54 Abrams tanks from U.S. army stock for $1.07 billion in 2023, with full delivery estimated in 2028.

It is now aiming to buy ammunition, parts, simulators, technical support and training for those tanks at a cost of $458.2 million before VAT.

It also aims to order an additional 216 tanks and parts for 6.49 billion euros ($7.6 billion) before VAT, it said. The Abrams is made by General Dynamics.

The statement did not specify when the equipment would be delivered. The country’s defence acquisition

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