As Eastern Europe responds to the ongoing war in Ukraine, countries like Romania are accelerating their defense modernization programs. According to Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr, the country plans to invest around €14 billion in new military equipment this year alone.
This massive outlay is slated to include advanced aerial ammunition, fifth-generation fighter jets and ballistic missiles.
In recent years, Poland has made headlines with its multibillion-euro defense contracts, and now Romania is following suit. The Romanian armed forces, which is one of the largest forces in Eastern Europe with over 70,000 personnel, are undergoing significant upgrades. Despite having an outdated fleet of aircraft and vehicles, including archaic TR-85 and T-55 tanks, Romania has begun retiring its fleet of MiG-21 aircraft, first flown in the 1950s.
The modernization effort includes the purchase of F-16 fighter jets from Portugal and Norway, enhancing Romania’s capabilities above the Black Sea. Additionally, the U.S. has agreed to sell 54 M1A2R Abrams tanks to Romania, and South Korean reports suggest a purchase of up to 500 K2 tanks. Romania has also agreed to acquire 54 K9 self-propelled howitzers from Korea, mirroring Poland’s recent acquisitions.
Looking ahead, Romania plans to secure contracts worth 71 billion lei (‹€14 billion) this year, which includes the potential purchase of up to 48 F-35A fighter jets. Moreover, the Romanian Air Force is set to acquire missiles, and its army will receive American FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missiles and MGM-140 ATACMS ballistic missiles for its M142 HIMARS launchers.
Romania is also investing in drone warfare, acquiring 26 Switchblade aerial munition systems. Another key acquisition involves 231 Mistral 3 short-range anti-aircraft missiles, capable of engaging enemy aircraft up to 8 kilometers away, enhancing Romania’s defensive capabilities in a rapidly changing security environment in Eastern Europe.
