Romanian defense industry chief contradicts minister on SAFE program involvement

Răzvan Pîrcălăbescu, director general of ROMARM and president of the Employers' Organization for the Defense Industry (OPIA), has directly contradicted the Minister of Defense regarding Romania's involvement in the SAFE program for producing NATO-standard individual armament. Pîrcălăbescu asserted that it was the Ministry of Interior, not the Ministry of National Defense, that initiated ROMARM's participation.

“

The Ministry of Interior actually involved us in the SAFE program. You know, when I have to admit something, I admit it! We received requests from them to get directly involved.

Speaking at a conference on "Reindustrializing Romania through the Development of the Defense Industry," Pîrcălăbescu stated, "The Ministry of Interior actually involved us in the SAFE program. You know, when I have to admit something, I admit it! We received requests from them to get directly involved." ROMARM is part of a project for producing NATO-standard individual armament, with a contract estimated at over 816 million euros. Suppliers include SSI Legion SRL, the American subsidiary Sig Sauer, and ROMARM through its Cugir arms factory and Sadu Mechanical Plant.

“

If we allocate these 2.45% for the proper functioning of the Ministry of Defense and we allocate another 2% for the defense industry, we will certainly succeed (...) in bringing added value to the national economy.

Pîrcălăbescu also advocated for increased national investment in the defense sector, suggesting Romania allocate an additional 2% of its GDP specifically for defense industry development. He emphasized the need for dedicated orders for the national defense industry, arguing that Romanian capital should receive priority, as seen in other countries. He further criticized recent statements by Defense Minister Radu Miruță, who reportedly described some defense industry factories as being in disrepair, with "rain and trees growing inside." Pîrcălăbescu warned that such public statements could damage Romania's international image and embolden potential adversaries.

“

You must have orders (...) dedicated to the national defense industry of Romania. You have Romanian capital, you have priority, as happens in other states.

Additionally, Pîrcălăbescu highlighted challenges posed by current corporate governance rules for state-owned defense companies. He argued that restrictions prevent these companies from acquiring essential assets like production lines or even computers, hindering their operational capabilities despite efforts to modernize.

“

If we project an image in the media, internationally, and say: the defense industry of Romania is dust and trees grow in it (...) any enemy will laugh and say tomorrow we go over Romania.