Rearming, a necessity
Bucharest has recently hosted the NATO Defense Industry Forum.
Mihai Pelin, 07.11.2025, 14:00
The Secretary General of the North Atlantic Alliance, the Dutch Mark Rutte, and Romania’s President Nicuşor Dan participated in the NATO Defense Industry Forum, which has been recently held in Bucharest. The two dignitaries sent strong messages regarding the need to increase the Alliance’s defense capability, in the current political context, and also to expand production in the military field. Nicuşor Dan believes that rearmament is a necessity in the current context in which peace and security are no longer guaranteed. President Dan emphasized that the Romanian defense industry has a strong tradition, even if it has been neglected in recent years, and could contribute to the increase in the defense industrial production in Europe. A key element for ensuring credible deterrence and effective defense is to work together, to produce in cooperation the equipment that the allied armed forces need, to collaborate between states, between government and the private sector, for a defense industry that favors innovation and capitalizes on emerging technologies, the head of state pointed out.
In turn, the NATO Secretary General conveyed to the representatives of the defense industry that he understands the risks they assume and mentioned the long-term contracts signed by governments. In his opinion, there is political will, as well as financing from the authorities to support their production, which will generate not only increased security, but also economic growth and more jobs. There are huge business opportunities for you and real benefits for everyone, he added.
Open dialogue between NATO and industry is essential in the context in which Moscow’s unprovoked war against Ukraine is an example of a threat. The danger of Russia will not end with the war. It will remain a destabilizing force and it is not alone, and the alliance must be prepared for a long-term confrontation, added Mark Rutte. In the context of the NATO Secretary General’s visit to Bucharest, presidential advisor Radu Burnete issued a warning to the political class and society: Romania must be prepared to fight and modernize its army and defense industry. He believes that an increased military capacity increases the country’s freedom of action. Radu Burnete emphasized that ‘a serious defense industry also has multiple economic benefits’.
The presidential advisor appreciates the fact that Rheinmetall has decided to make a large investment in Romania. Thus, the most modern ammunition powder factory in the world will be built, after the Government signed an agreement with the German giant, one of the largest defense equipment manufacturers in Europe. The investment of half a billion Euros will be made in Braşov County (center), and Romania will become an important player in the defense industry in southeastern Europe. (LS)
