Oleksandr Levchenko, diplomat and geopolitics expert, former Ukrainian ambassador to Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina from 2010 to 2017, writes an editorial exclusively for DefenseRomania about Russia's large-scale military maneuvers in Belarus, which aimed to simulate a war against NATO and especially the testing of the new Zircon hypersonic missiles, which is not only a show of force but also a geopolitical attack on American interests in the region. The challenges are huge, especially in the context in which these missiles are very difficult to intercept, and this should quickly wake up the US. We reproduce the full opinion text.

Oleksandr Levchenko, diplomat and geopolitical expert, former Ambassador of Ukraine to Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina (2010–2017), wrote exclusively for DefenseRomania an editorial on the “war of minds” and the cognitive and psychological confrontation waged by the aggressor state, the Russian Federation, against our region and Europe, alongside the military component of the conflict that Russia has unleashed in Ukraine.

The Netherlands is one of the most committed European countries, both in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression and in strengthening NATO’s Eastern Flank, including the development of the Romanian Armed Forces. This commitment is further confirmed—if there was any doubt—by the transfer of at least 18 F-16 fighter jets to Romania. In other words, we are receiving aircraft that could form a new squadron, with the Netherlands aiming to bolster the capabilities of the Romanian Air Force while also continuing the training of Ukrainian F-16 pilots in our country.

H.E. Adrian Zuckerman, United States Ambassador to Romania (2019-2021) reacted exclusively to DC News, after the CCR decided to cancel the first round of the presidential elections in Romania.

November 20, 2024 _ Hanwha Aerospace Romania has pledged to give vital support for Romania’s military modernization and the reinforcement of NATO’s eastern flank in response to the ongoing security challenges and threats coming from the war in Ukraine. 

The Democrats’ efforts to convince their own voters that Joe Biden is still capable of leading the nation highlight a troubling disconnect from the public. When a party has to work this hard to reassure its base, it’s a clear sign that something is fundamentally wrong with their strategy. This struggle will only intensify as the Democratic Convention approaches and Biden's candidacy becomes official. If convincing their own ranks is this challenging, the general election campaign promises to be even more brutal for Biden.

His Excellency Roberto Musneci, Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta in Romania, during an event celebrating the establishment of the Order, emphasized the importance of the bilateral relationship between Malta and Romania.

Romania has purchased 32 F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets from Norway to complete the first squadron of 17 F-16 jets purchased from Portugal. And delivery dates for Norwegian aircraft are on schedule.

The new facility will boost operational readiness for HIMARS systems operated by Romania and its NATO partners. Aerostar S.A. in partnership with Lockheed Martin has inaugurated Europe’s first certified HIMARS Sustainment Centre. This new facility strengthens the existing relationship between global defence and aerospace company Lockheed Martin and Aerostar S.A., which already partner on similar sustainment activities for Romania’s Black Hawk and F-16 fighter fleets.

More than 5,000 troops and 320 means of equipment from seven allied and partner states will participate over 5-24 May in SWIFT RESPONSE 24/ DEFENDER 24 Multinational Exercise conducted in Romania by the U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF). Romania’s participation consists of 2,300 soldiers and 220 means of equipment.

From 1 April to 21 April 2024 a French maritime patrol aircraft type Atlantic 2 (Atlantique 2) is deployed at Mihail Kogălniceanu 57 Air Base, in Romania.

Sources in the defence industry confirmed to DefenseRomania that in the tender for 4x4 armoured vehicles for the Romanian Army, only Turkish company Otokar submitted a bid. 

The head of the Directorate General for Armaments, Lieutenant General Engineer Teodor Incicaș, confirmed in an interview when the first MANPAD KP-SAM Chiron systems will arrive from South Korea.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has publicly announced his candidacy for NATO leadership. Iohannis said in a public speech that he "assumes his candidacy on behalf of Romania" for the post of NATO Secretary General.

Last week the European Commission presented the first Defence Industry Strategy in the history of the European Union.

This week, France Air Force will deploy Rafale fighter jets to the 86th Air Base in Borcea, Romania. The French will carry out joint manoeuvres and simulate interceptions alongside Romania's F-16 Fighting Falcon and Turkey's F-16s.

The US Government has approved the sale to Romania of four M88A2 Hercules recovery vehicles produced by BAE Systems.

His Excellency Adrian Zuckerman, former US ambassador to Romania, signs an editorial for DefenseRomania, in which he assures that the US will not abandon Europe. Moreover, he states that President Donald Trump's statements have been taken out of context and emphasizes the need for all members to pay their fair share and respect the commitments NATO made at the Wales summit in 2014. Today, the US contributes alone with 70% of the NATO budget, while Western European states with huge savings are still very far from even the 2% target, two years after the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. And they are the first ones who should be aware of the Russian danger and that by not complying with the commitments they are endangering all the other states in the Alliance. We reproduce the text signed by Adrian Zuckerman:

Romania remains committed to the process of developing the defence capabilities needed to fulfil the missions entrusted to it. At present, the Directorate-General for Armaments is active, at various stages, in more than 60 armament programs for all categories of forces.

Adrian Zuckerman, the former ambassador of the United States to Romania, wrote an editorial for DefenseRomania. His Excellency, Ambassador Zuckerman, warned the authorities in our country that they are endangering Romania's relationship with the USA if they do not respect their cyber security commitments.

The Ministry of National Defence has submitted to Parliament a request for approval to purchase F-35 Lightning II 5th generation fighter jets. This is the first step towards the "F-35 for Romania". The announcement of the approval request to Parliament was made by Antena 3 CNN. A total of 32 F-35 aircraft will be purchased in the first phase.

South Korean giant Hyundai Rotem wants to collaborate with Romania on the purchase of K2 Black Panther tanks. Romania has recently purchased 54 American Abrams tanks and has expressed its intention to purchase 300 tanks. Within the framework of the "Main Battle Tank" programme, the Romanian Ministry of National Defence has started the procedures for the purchase of 54 American Abrams tanks. The purchase will be made through the G2G (Government to Government) procedure.

According to three unidentified Western sources, a coalition of Western countries is evaluating Romania as a viable location for F-16 fighter aircraft training for Ukrainian pilots. According to current and former Pentagon sources, the organization "is working to negotiate a contract to conduct the aircraft training at a site in Romania" and that "Lockheed Martin, which builds the F-16, would likely conduct the training."

Poland and Romania are the main pillars of the Eastern Flank. Russia's unprovoked aggression against Ukraine has accelerated the two countries' armament programmes, and there are similarities in terms of programmes underway or to be initiated.