EditNew Romanian government sets bold defence reform plan
Bolojan’s government aims to boost NATO role and regional security through major military investments and restructuring
The Romanian government, under Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, has unveiled a comprehensive national defence programme that lays out a bold and multi-dimensional vision for the country’s armed forces.
Framed around six strategic pillars, the plan addresses both internal and international objectives, prioritises military investment, and seeks to enhance the attractiveness of military service – all within the broader goal of reinforcing Romania’s position as a credible NATO and EU partner.
The defence roadmap begins with a fundamental financial commitment: to increase overall defence spending to up to 5% of GDP, including 3.5% for direct military expenditures and an additional 1.5% earmarked for related investments with broader impact. This allocation is presented as a response to evolving regional threats and aligned with NATO and EU expectations. At the same time, the government reiterates its intention to deepen strategic cooperation with the United States and strengthen Romania’s role as a security provider in the Black Sea region.
On the domestic front, the plan emphasises modernising key military bases such as Mihail Kogălniceanu, Câmpia Turzii, and Fetești, in line with NATO standards. Accelerating the acquisition and deployment of advanced weapon systems will be a priority, alongside upgrades to Romania’s defence infrastructure and support capabilities. The government also pledges to update the “Romanian Army 2040” programme, reinforcing national and allied defence capacity.
With the regional security context in flux, Romania is looking to reinforce deterrence through strategic vigilance. This includes the development of integrated air and maritime defence systems, better protection of national waters and critical undersea infrastructure, and ensuring free navigation in the Black Sea – key to Romania’s economic interests in its exclusive economic zone.
Internationally, the defence plan reiterates Romania’s strategic ambition to act as a stable pillar in Eastern Europe. It commits to active participation in NATO and EU operations, increasing national readiness as a host nation for allied forces, and strengthening bilateral partnerships with countries like France, Germany, the UK, Italy, Poland, and Turkey. The partnership with the United States remains central, with plans to update the bilateral defence roadmap and make use of financial mechanisms such as the Foreign Military Financing Loan.
Romania also intends to position itself as a regional hub for security cooperation, through initiatives like the joint Black Sea demining task force with Turkey and Bulgaria, support for Moldova and Ukraine, and deeper defence ties in the Western Balkans. A future maritime security hub and F-16 pilot training centre in Fetești are flagged as critical components of this broader strategy.
The government outlines a series of internal reforms aimed at modernising the structure and functioning of the Ministry of Defence. These include a review of command structures, centralised procurement, performance-based evaluation of research institutes and military universities, and the creation of a centralised service procurement system. In addition, legislative changes will facilitate legal support for major acquisition contracts, streamline procedures, and accelerate defence procurement cycles.
A major pillar of the programme is dedicated to boosting Romania’s defence industry through EU and NATO funding instruments, including PESCO, the European Defence Fund, and Security Action for Europe initiative (SAFE). Priority will be given to dual-use infrastructure projects, military mobility corridors linking the Baltic, Black, and Aegean seas, and participation in multinational defence innovation initiatives such as NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA).
The plan also devotes special attention to military mobility. It includes the establishment of a National Coordination Committee, involving the transport, defence, and foreign ministries, to optimise infrastructure and align procedures with European standards for cross-border military movement.
Lastly, the programme highlights the human dimension of defence reform. Romania will promote a new social contract to make the military profession more attractive, prevent the premature loss of skilled personnel, and improve career predictability and morale. Volunteer reserves will be expanded, and technical and IT professions incentivised. Civilian-military cooperation will be enhanced by recruiting expertise from outside the armed forces and integrating it into Romania’s evolving defence needs.
As part of this people-centric approach, military education and research will be aligned with national systems and international standards, while the defence sector undergoes accelerated digital transformation.
The Romanian minister of defence is Liviu-Ionuț Moșteanu, who also holds the position of Vice Prime Minister.
Caption: Romanian cadets from the Military Academy recite the military oath during a Romanian Army Day celebration event held in front of the Unknown Soldier Memorial, in Bucharest, Romania, 25 October 2024. Romania became a full member of NATO on 02 April 2004. EPA/ROBERT GHEMENT
Updated: June 25, 2025 - 15:49
