Romania to allocate 5% of GDP to defense ahead of NATO deadline

Romania is set to exceed NATO's defense spending target, with interim Defense Minister Radu Miruță announcing the country will allocate 5% of its GDP to defense before the 2035 deadline. Miruță stated that Romania is not merely a recipient of collective security but is actively contributing through significant investments in its domestic arms industry.

“

Romania will reach 5% of GDP before 2035. And we are demonstrating this at all levels we are going through.

This strategic shift involves not only increasing the defense budget but also revitalizing national production capabilities. Miruță highlighted that Romania is opening new arms production facilities within its borders, thereby enhancing its deterrent capacity. He confirmed decisions have been made to restart operations at several key defense units, including the Cugir arms factory, Uzina Mecanică Sadu, the Victoria powder factory, the Mangalia shipyard, and infantry fighting vehicle production in Mediaș.

“

Romania is no longer just a beneficiary of collective security within NATO, but is beginning to contribute actively through investments in the defense industry.

Miruță also criticized past procurement policies, suggesting Romania previously acquired military equipment without parallel development of its own industry. He emphasized a new requirement for foreign suppliers: "If you want to sell this, you must do 70% in Romania, 50% in Romania." This new approach aims to bolster national defense capabilities and economic contributions to the alliance.

“

Romania is opening arms production factories on national territory. Which means an increase in deterrence capacity.