Romania Eyes NATO Defense Hub Status with Focus on Drones and Ammunition

Romania has the potential to become a key regional production hub for the NATO defense industry, according to Răzvan Pîrcălăbescu, head of Romarm. Speaking at a NATO summit forum in Ankara, Pîrcălăbescu emphasized the need for national defense industries to generate added value, remain competitive, and be economically sustainable.

He stated that Romania is targeting the production of NATO-caliber ammunition and advanced high-tech equipment, including aerial, naval, and ground drones. Pîrcălăbescu highlighted that Romania's defense sector comprises over 150 accredited companies capable of providing modern solutions to current security challenges. Specifically, Romarm is developing an aerial drone at Carfil and a ground drone (UGV) at Automecanica Moreni, with anti-drone systems also in development with private Romanian partners.

Pîrcălăbescu noted that approximately 80% of Romarm's revenue currently comes from exports, but accessing domestic orders remains a challenge. He believes that sustainable growth for the defense industry hinges on expanding ammunition production, integrating into NATO programs, investing in research and development, including artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, and strengthening partnerships with NATO allies to ensure production occurs within Romania.

These newly developed capabilities could soon be available for testing and use by the Romanian Ministry of National Defence. The initiative aligns with NATO's broader goal of consolidating the Alliance's security through enhanced production capacities and closer collaboration among member states.