Defense Minister Radu Oprea: Romanian soldiers have the same weapons as before 1989. If we only purchase equipment through SAFE, everything will turn into something very expensive

Minister of Defense Radu Oprea notes that, in 2026, Romanian soldiers are carrying the same weapon that soldiers carried before 1989. “Of course, we now use the NATO standard and NATO caliber, but in fact it is the same weapon,” he says.

The new Minister of Defense, Radu Oprea, warns that purchases made through the SAFE Program could generate very high costs for Romania if industrial capabilities for maintenance, repairs, and production are not developed in parallel. The statement was made Monday evening on TVR.

Oprea stated that the Ministry of Defense is on schedule with its military procurement programs, but emphasized that there are still contracts that need to be signed. In his view, the equipment purchased through SAFE is important, but the transfer of technology and the construction of production facilities in Romania are just as necessary.

The minister explained that, in the absence of such facilities, Romania would remain dependent on foreign suppliers for the maintenance and repair of the equipment, which would significantly increase long-term expenses. “If we stop at merely purchasing a piece of equipment,” all subsequent costs could turn the investment into a very expensive one.