Romania is bolstering its commitment to NATO's collective security by undertaking significant military modernization and increasing defense spending, according to Nicușor Dan, president of Romania.
As a key ally situated on NATO's southeastern flank and bordering Ukraine, Romania views Russia as a persistent threat. The nation has experienced drone incursions into its airspace and debris falling on its territory, underscoring the immediate relevance of deterrence at the alliance's perimeter. Romania is offering to enhance its contributions to Black Sea security, NATO burden-sharing, and its strategic partnership with the United States.
"Romania is not asking America for more. Romania is offering to do more," Dan stated, emphasizing that gratitude for U.S. leadership must be matched by responsibility. Romania plans to meet the benchmark of spending 5% of its GDP on defense by 2035.
To support this commitment, Romania is undertaking a substantial military infrastructure program, estimated at €2.5 to €3 billion, at the Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base on the Black Sea coast. This initiative involves the expansion and modernization of facilities, including the development of a military logistics network connecting airfields, roads, ports, training grounds, and supply infrastructure. These improvements aim to enable the rapid movement of troops and equipment for Romania and the United States.
Romania's armed forces are being modernized with interoperable American systems, including Patriot air and missile defense, HIMARS rocket artillery, F-16 fighter jets, Abrams tanks, and a planned acquisition of 32 F-35A aircraft. This modernization aims to ensure Romanian forces are prepared from the outset of any crisis.
The overarching goal is to strengthen deterrence by demonstrating visible capability, resilient infrastructure, and the political will to act collectively. A more robust Romania contributes to a stronger southeastern flank, a more secure Black Sea, and ultimately enhances NATO's ability to deter conflict across Europe. Romania has signaled its readiness to invest, host, train, modernize, and stand with its allies, particularly the United States, stating, "Romania will not wait to be tested before it is ready."