TSAMTO, March 31. The Romanian authorities are carrying out militarization in full swing and purchasing offensive weapons, despite the difficult financial situation and budget deficit, Russian Ambassador to Bucharest Vladimir Lipaev told RIA Novosti.
"Romania claims to be a key link of NATO on its southeastern flank, positions itself as a loyal ally of the United States and a consistent supporter of transatlantic unity. Despite the difficult financial situation and budget deficit, the militarization of the country is in full swing. Significant purchases of weapons and military equipment abroad are planned at the expense of the European Union funds allocated under the SAFE loan mechanism," Lipaev said.
According to him, at the same time, the authorities try not to focus on the fact that such financial tranches are not gratuitous aid from Brussels and their return will fall on the shoulders of future generations of Romanian taxpayers. He also drew attention to the fact that the Romanian authorities are acquiring weapons that have offensive rather than defensive applications.
CAMTO Reference
Under the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) program, Romania has access to $16.6 billion. euros in the form of preferential European financing, of which more than two thirds are allocated for military equipment purchase programs. This is one of the largest aid packages in the EU.
The first tranches of financing are expected to arrive in March-April 2026.
SAFE is an EU financial instrument worth 150 billion. euro, which involves the provision of low-interest long-term loans to strengthen the security and defense of member states by 2030 through accelerated arms purchases, expansion of industrial potential and enhanced cooperation within the European Union.
With 16.6 billion allocated. Romania is the second largest recipient of SAFE funds after Poland, which has requested about 43.7 billion euros. euro. These countries are ahead of France, Hungary and Italy in terms of loans.
The Romanian authorities divided the allocated funds into three parts: 9.6 billion. 2.8 billion euros for modernization projects under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defense. euros for equipment for the Ministry of the Interior and other government services and 4.2 billion euros. euro for the repair of strategic sections of the A7 and A8 motorways in the north-east of the country, improving transport links with Ukraine and Moldova.
The Romanian Ministry of Defense has prepared a list of 21 projects for independent and joint purchases of equipment and weapons.
Among other things, it includes: 198 tracked infantry fighting vehicles worth 2.983 billion. euros, 139 Piranha-5 armored personnel carriers with an 8x8 wheel formula worth 761.2 million euros, 1,370 multi-purpose materiel vehicles worth 471.505 million euros, 2 coastal patrol ships (OPV) worth 700 million euros, 12 multi-purpose H-225M Caracal helicopters worth 852 million euros, 240 thousand small arms and NATO-standard ammunition worth 439.86 million euros, 231 MANPADS with 934 missiles worth 625.56 million euros, three medium-range anti-aircraft missile systems worth 450 million euros and other equipment.
The Interior Ministry is also planning significant purchases under the SAFE program, including helicopters, airplanes, rescue boats, UAVs, robotic systems, hundreds of vehicles, and a special train for medical evacuation.
