EditFrom buyer to builder: Romania attempts to lead its own drone revolution
The country aims at becoming a full-scale developer and producer of drones, but challenges reamain
Romania is stepping up its drone ambitions with bold investments and local production plans, but structural gaps still threaten long-term impact.
The war in Ukraine served as a wake-up call for EU and NATO countries, spurring accelerated investment and innovation in military drone development and production to counter modern warfare threats. Romania is a good example of this awakening.
Military drones are no longer just futuristic technology – they’ve become a vital part of today’s conflicts. As their importance grows, countries around the world are racing to position themselves in this new era of defense, Siemon Smid, Director at PwC Romania, and Ștefan Mărgăritescu, Senior Associate, the EUAlive partner Umbrela Strategică reports.
Europe is responding with coordinated investments in innovation and local production, with the military drone market expected to surpass $21.5 billion by 2030.
European initiatives like the European Defence Fund, PESCO, and NATO innovation programs are helping countries work together on research, purchasing, and building up regional industries.
At first, drones were mainly used for surveillance. But recent conflicts in Nagorno-Karabakh, Syria, and especially Ukraine, have shown just how central they’ve become. From low-cost attack drones to long-range loitering munitions, and even sea drones changing naval tactics, these tools are now core elements of modern defence.
Romania’s growing investment and international partnerships
Romania has significantly increased its defence spending, reaching €8.6 billion in 2024 – about 2.3% of its GDP. A big part of this is going toward modernising the military, and drones are one of the top priorities. These systems are intended to help with both surveillance and full military operations by land, air, and sea.
To move faster, Romania has signed several strategic agreements:
- Bayraktar TB2 (Turkey): Three drone systems worth over $300 million will boost tactical capabilities.
- Watchkeeper X (UK/Israel): Up to seven systems are planned under a $410 million framework agreement.
- MQ-9B SeaGuardian (USA): The Romanian Navy is adopting advanced sea drones with U.S. support.
- Switchblade 300/600 (USA): These were purchased in 2024 for rapid response missions.
Romania is also working on defending itself from drones. In 2023, local tech firm OVES Enterprise partnered with a U.S. company to develop smart systems that can stop unauthorized drones and missiles – tailored for the Eastern European environment.
Building at home: from imports to local development
While buying equipment from abroad solves short-term needs, Romania is also investing in building its own drone industry. In November 2024, the government launched a national drone program to design and produce drones locally.
Leading this project is Carfil Brașov, part of the Romarm group, working with Periscope Aviation (USA). They aim to build seven drone models – two of them by the end of 2025. These will include reconnaissance, vertical take-off, and attack drones, both for local use and export. The first two models, Cuda and Sirin, have already been tested, with 100 units planned for production.
Carfil has also opened a training center for drone pilots, in partnership with a French defence consultancy. Alongside this, the INCAS aerospace institute is helping develop advanced materials, engines, and electronics for drones. Together, Carfil and INCAS form the foundation of Romania’s push for more independence in defence technology.
New laws and integration into European systems
Romania is also updating its laws. A new law from early 2025 gives the Ministry of Defense the authority to detect and neutralize unauthorised drones in its airspace. It also allows NATO forces in Romania to conduct joint counter-drone operations.
Romania is joining EU efforts to create shared airspace systems for both military and civilian drones. Through its participation in NATO’s AGS program and EU projects like PESCO, Romania is contributing to a common European vision for secure and coordinated use of drone technology.
From drone user to drone maker: what next?
According to PwC, Romania’s steps so far are promising, but long-term success will require more than buying equipment. Becoming a full-scale developer and producer of drones means overcoming long-standing challenges related to technology, industry, and infrastructure.
Although there are government programs and academic prototypes, Romania’s industrial base isn’t yet ready to build drones at scale. Equipment is outdated, supply chains are fragile, and many parts – especially electronics – are still imported.
Innovation also remains scattered. While there are strong universities and tech talent, there’s no national centre dedicated to drone technology. A dedicated hub could bring together research, industry, and defence to speed up progress.
Many local companies also struggle with navigating procurement and funding systems, which are often complex and difficult to access without specialized knowledge.
PwC, through its global network and Drone Powered Solutions centre in Poland, has worked on over 150 drone-related projects across the world. Lessons from defence, infrastructure, and manufacturing can help Romania find its own path forward, turning today’s momentum into a long-term advantage.
Caption: People look at the heavy bomber drone Vampire in Kyiv, Ukraine, 6 May 2025, amid the ongoing Russian invasion. An exhibition of the latest Ukrainian-made weapons and military equipment was opened at the Foreign Ministry on the occasion of Infantry Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, marked on 6 May 2025. [EPA-EFE/SERGEY DOLZHENKO]
Updated: May 26, 2025 - 15:09
