The joint defence committees of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate have issued preliminary approval, allowing the process to move towards a full parliamentary vote. If approved, the vote would enable the defence ministry to award contracts for the procurement programme.
Committee members emphasised the importance of domestic production, stating that a significant portion of manufacturing would take place in Romania. They noted that around 50% of the total contract value is expected to be reinvested into the national defence industry.
The SAFE-funded package covers a wide range of military equipment, including naval platforms, armoured vehicles, helicopters, air defence systems and infantry weapons. Within this framework, the naval programme is centred on enhancing Romania’s maritime capabilities through new vessels.
Defence Minister Radu Miruta said that projects for the construction of diver intervention vessels and maritime patrol vessels, valued at around €1 billion, would be carried out at the Mangalia 2 Mai shipyard. He added that the yard is under the administration of Rheinmetall to help preserve jobs following the insolvency of Damen Shipyards Mangalia in June 2024.
Miruta said the naval construction programme is intended to maintain employment and sustain Romania’s shipbuilding capacity. He also noted that the broader procurement effort includes domestic production elements for other military equipment, such as small arms and ammunition.
The minister stated that the procurement projects are not affected by ongoing internal political developments. He said the programme continues to move forward as part of Romania’s defence modernisation plans.
According to local media reports, contracts under the programme have been awarded to several international and domestic companies, including Airbus Defence and Space and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. The contracts form part of a wider set of 21 procurement projects worth more than €9.5 billion announced earlier this year.
The SAFE programme is designed to strengthen European defence capabilities while supporting domestic industries. Romania’s naval procurement, including the planned construction of new vessels, is positioned as a central element in enhancing maritime security and industrial resilience.
