Romania is to speed up the procurement of ammunition in response to Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, the Supreme Council of National Defence (CSAT), chaired by President Klaus Iohannis, decided on Thursday.
The Council emphasised that Russia’s aggressive stance has brought about a shift in regional security that has necessitated a reassessment, reprioritisation, and reconfiguration of military acquisition programmes.
According to a CSAT statement following the meeting, these adjustments aim to strengthen Romania’s defence capabilities to counter new threats, including “the increased acquisition of combat ammunition and the gradual build-up of strategic reserves.”
Council members also discussed the Romanian Army’s Endowment Plan for 2025-2034.
The Council underlined the need for Romania to develop its domestic industrial capacity to produce modern military equipment, both for peacetime forces and to maintain the operational status of existing equipment, to safeguard critical security interests and ensure the security of the supply chain. It also underlined the need to “manufacture and develop new equipment to enhance military capabilities during crises or wartime.
The meeting also examined the latest developments in Russian aggression, in particular the recent escalations, which constitute egregious violations of international law.
“Their impact on regional security in the Black Sea was assessed, with significant implications for both Europe and the Euro-Atlantic area. Additional deterrence and countermeasures were discussed for implementation at the national level and with support from NATO allies,” the statement added.
These latest escalations were also discussed at Wednesday’s Bucharest 9 format meeting of defence ministers in the Romanian capital.
The Bucharest 9 countries expressed “deep concern” over repeated Russian drone and missile incursions into NATO airspace. A “robust” response is needed in such cases, Romanian Defence Minister Angel Tîlvăr told a joint press conference with Polish Secretary of State for Defence Pawel Zalewski.
Regarding incidents involving Russian drones near Ukraine, Zalewski reiterated that the meeting participants agreed that “a NATO response is necessary.”
(Catalina Mihai | Euractiv.ro)
Source: euractiv.com
