Romanian President vows stronger defence and deeper US ties amid Russian threats
Romania's president pledged to boost defence spending, expand military infrastructure and deepen cooperation with the United States to counter growing Russian aggression near the Black Sea.
The president of Romania warned that Russian actions, including dozens of drone violations, are testing NATO’s resolve on its southeastern flank. He reaffirmed Romania’s dedication to Black Sea security, sending the national security adviser and chief of defence to Washington and NATO headquarters to discuss deeper strategic cooperation. Romania intends to lift defence spending to 5 % of GDP by 2035 and is channeling €2.5-3 billion into expanding and modernising facilities such as Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, while linking locations like Câmpia Turzii, Cincu, Smârdan, Babadag, Constanța and the Danube into a comprehensive logistics network.
The armed forces are being equipped with American platforms—Patriot air-defence, HIMARS rocket artillery, F-16 fighters, Abrams tanks and planned F-35A jets—to ensure readiness from day one of any crisis. The president framed deterrence as requiring visible capability, resilient infrastructure and political will, arguing that a stronger Romania secures the Black Sea and reinforces NATO’s overall deterrence. His message: Romania will not wait for a test before it is ready.
Why it matters
Romania's defence boost strengthens NATO's southeastern flank and signals a firmer stance against Russian aggression.
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