Army development, a priority
Romania is investing in the development of its military, according to leaders in Bucharest
Leyla Cheamil, 27.10.2025, 13:50
With a war on the border, in the geopolitical context generated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the authorities in Bucharest have made the development of the army a priority. In a speech delivered on Romanian Army Day, celebrated on October 25, Romanian President Nicuşor Dan stated that modernizing the army is a priority at this time and that Bucharest is therefore investing in its development. “As in previous years, in the years to come we will allocate sufficient funds to ensure that the army is prepared, and we will be smart enough to make sure that these funds are also allocated to the national defense industry, to develop this industry and, implicitly, to create jobs for the national economy.”
Nicușor Dan pointed out that, in all opinion polls, the Army is the most appreciated institution in Romania, which means that it is home to professionalism and professionals. “We are going through a complicated geopolitical period in which we see that peace is not a given. It is not enough to beat your chest and say you want peace. You have to be responsible to have peace. And that means you have to prepare yourself. To have peace, you have to prepare yourself to deter war,” the Romanian head of state pointed out.
In turn, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan stated that the army must be prepared and strengthened, which also requires adequate financial allocations. “For our country, the insurance policy is the ability to defend ourselves and have a professional army. Therefore, an important goal during this period is to strengthen the army, the defense industry, and critical infrastructure, and to invest more in training people and in technology.” Ilie Bolojan emphasized that a significant portion of the budget will be allocated to training, modern equipment, and protecting essential infrastructure, because Romania cannot afford to be unprepared.
The Minister of National Defense, Ionuţ Moşteanu, has also stated that the institution he leads is continuing the most extensive modernization program in the history of the army through investments in technology, infrastructure, and training programs. However, he stressed that the most important investment remains that in people, the military personnel who, through their professionalism and balance, give strength and credibility to the army.
Ionuţ Moşteanu added that measures are being taken to improve the working and living conditions and equipment of military personnel so that they can carry out their mission to the highest standards. He noted that the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine has changed the security environment and, in this context, Romania remains a reliable ally and a factor of stability on NATO’s eastern flank and within the European Union, contributing alongside its partners to the defense of freedom and international order based on rules, not force. (MI)
