Bucharest: Romania’s Supreme Defence Council has approved a new plan to bolster the country’s naval capabilities by acquiring small warships, reinforcing its strategic role in the Black Sea and on NATO’s eastern flank. The decision aligns with broader efforts to modernize Romania’s military amid rising regional security concerns.
The European Union and NATO member, which shares the longest land border with Ukraine, had previously planned to purchase four warships from the French defense firm Naval Group. However, the deal, initially agreed upon in 2019, was ultimately canceled in 2023 after prolonged delays and contractual disputes. The agreement, valued at 1.2 billion euros, included the construction of four Gowind-class corvettes and the modernization of two existing Romanian frigates. It was first delayed by legal challenges and later stalled due to disagreements between Naval Group and its junior partner over escalating costs.
“Council members analyzed and approved equipping the Romanian Navy with a new warship, a light corvette type able to execute in the shortest time a multitude of missions,” the Supreme Defence Council stated, emphasizing the urgency of strengthening maritime defense. The council has tasked the defense ministry with initiating the acquisition process, though further details regarding the timeline and specific vessel type remain undisclosed.
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Romania’s naval forces are considered the least modernized among its military branches, prompting a renewed focus on enhancing maritime security. The country has steadily increased its defense spending, aiming to allocate up to 2.5% of its GDP for defense expenditures this year, up from just over 2.2% in 2024. Interim President Ilie Bolojan indicated last month that Romania’s defense budget could further expand to 3% of GDP within the next one to two years, reflecting the country’s commitment to strengthening its military posture in response to evolving regional threats.
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