Romania and Eastern Europe: Defence and Security at a Strategic Crossroads
As geopolitical tensions continue to reshape the global security landscape, Romania has emerged as a pivotal player on NATO’s eastern flank. With its strategic position bordering Ukraine and the Black Sea, Romania is not only reinforcing its national defence posture but also playing a critical role in regional stability and transatlantic security cooperation.
By: John Thompson, VP Marketing and Communications
Romania’s commitment to defence is underscored by its recent pledge to increase military spending to over 2.2% of GDP, with ambitions to reach 5% by 2035. This aligns with NATO’s broader push for enhanced defence capabilities across member states. President Nicușor Dan recently emphasized the importance of this investment, particularly in the context of Black Sea security and support for Ukraine.
This financial commitment is not just about quantity but quality: Romanian defence leaders are prioritizing “smart spending” by focusing on innovation, sustainability, and long-term strategic value. This includes modernizing existing capabilities, integrating emerging technologies, and fostering industrial partnerships that ensure resilience and operational readiness.
The recent ADS Group Trade Mission to Romania highlighted the deepening bilateral ties between the UK and Romania. With 20 UK companies participating, including Austability. The mission underscored mutual interests in joint procurement, capability development, and co-maintenance of defence systems.
Romania is actively encouraging international firms to invest in its defence sector, particularly those willing to co-develop and maintain advanced technologies. This approach not only builds local capacity but also ensures sustainability through shared expertise. For UK firms, this presents a significant opportunity to contribute to Romania’s defence modernisation while expanding their footprint in Eastern Europe.
One of the most pressing needs identified during the trade mission was the development of enabling infrastructure. The Romanian Air Force, among other services, has flagged this as a critical gap. With parallels drawn to Austability’s work in Guam, there is a clear demand for companies which can deliver infrastructure solutions to support a more capable and mobile armed force.
This need is further emphasized by Romania’s participation in NATO exercises like Saber Guardian 25, involving over 10,000 troops from six countries, demonstrating Romania’s readiness to operate seamlessly with allies and highlighting the logistical and infrastructural demands of such operations.
Romania’s proximity to the conflict in Ukraine has brought the realities of modern warfare to its doorstep. Incidents involving drone onto Romanian territory have heightened the sense of urgency around national defence.
Beyond conventional threats, Romania, like the world over, is also grappling with hybrid warfare challenges, including cyber threats and disinformation campaigns. The NATO Summit in June 2025 reaffirmed the alliance’s commitment to countering these non-traditional threats through enhanced cooperation and innovation.
For companies looking to engage with Romania’s defence sector, establishing a local presence is crucial. As highlighted in the trade mission report, Romanian stakeholders value commitment and visibility. Whether through partnerships, local recruitment, or setting up a Romanian entity, demonstrating long-term intent is key to building trust and securing contracts.
Labour shortages in Romania, particularly in low-skilled sectors, present additional challenges. However, opportunities exist for UK firms to collaborate with local and international partners to address these gaps, supported by the UK Embassy and other institutional stakeholders.
Romania stands at a strategic crossroads – investing heavily in its defence, deepening alliances, and preparing for an uncertain future. For defence and security firms, like Austability, the message is clear: the time to engage is now. With the right partnerships, presence, and strategic alignment, Romania offers a gateway to Eastern Europe’s evolving security architecture.
