Representatives of the national defense industry are launching a call for the definition and implementation of a national project to relaunch and develop production capacities, adapted to the new security realities in the region.
The announcement was made on Monday during the "NATO Day 2026" event, organized in Bucharest by the Defense Industry Employers' Organization (OPIA), in the presence of representatives of the authorities, the diplomatic corps and companies in the field.
"Romania today has not only the need, but also the urgent responsibility to rebuild its defense industry as a strategic pillar of national security and the economy. In the context of global conflicts, it becomes clear that we can no longer depend solely on others for security, but we must strengthen our own capabilities. We are talking about a country project that requires vision, investments and solid partnerships. Within NATO, it is no longer enough to be just consumers of security, but we must also become providers of capabilities", declared Răzvan Pîrcalăbescu, president of OPIA.
The project proposed by the industry aims to restart and modernize existing capacities, develop local production of military equipment, attract investments and strategic partnerships, and integrate Romanian companies into NATO and European Union production chains. At the same time, the initiative aims to stimulate research and innovation, as well as train a specialized workforce capable of supporting the long-term development of the sector.
During the event, the main topics addressed were the consolidation of the national defense industry by increasing exports, attracting investments and developing international partnerships, as well as the integration of Romanian companies into European production chains.
The officials present stressed the importance of closer collaboration between the public and private sectors, including through external economic missions, expanded participation in international fairs and better exploitation of the opportunities generated by European programs. At the same time, the strategic role of the defense industry in the current security context was highlighted, requiring an accelerated transformation based on innovation, research and development and technology transfer.
Also, another important idea highlighted during the debates was the need to identify concrete financing solutions and eliminate systemic bottlenecks affecting the sector, especially in relation to the banking system. Company representatives reported difficulties related to access to basic banking services, predictability of financing and compliance requirements.
In this context, the participants agreed on the need for a legislative and financial framework adapted to the specifics of the defense industry, the development of dedicated programs and the standardization of processes, so that investments can be supported efficiently and the economic impact can be felt at the national level.
OPIA emphasizes that the relaunch of the defense industry must be treated as a national strategic priority, in line with the commitments assumed by Romania within NATO and the European Union, but also as a major opportunity for economic development, by creating jobs and consolidating a competitive industrial sector at the regional level.
NATO Day 2026 provided a platform for discussions and presentations dedicated to strengthening the defense industry, as well as exchanges of best practices between representatives of the public and private sectors in the field.
OPIA brings together over 80 of the most important companies active in the defense industry in Romania, including the National Company ROMARM and its 15 subsidiaries, Lunox, TOP Metrology, Mangalia Shipyard, Compa Sibiu, Grampet Defence, the National Society of Radiocommunications, Optoelectronica and others.
Comentează