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NATO member Romania signed a deal on Monday with German defense company Rhinemetall to build an ammunition factory in central Romania, as Europe tries to realign itself amid increasingly provocative incidents. Russia,
After the signing of the agreement, Prime Minister Ilie Bologen praised the joint venture between the Romanian state and Europe’s largest arms manufacturer, indicating that Romania is “emerging as a player with potential in the defense industry of Southeast Europe.”
Construction A 535 million euro ($616 million) plant in the city Victoria Expected to open in 2026 in Brasov County, it will take three years to complete and create about 700 local jobs, he said. Romania would like to finance a part of its contribution through the European SAFE mechanism to encourage defense readiness.
“After several years when demand for our defense industry was very low, Romania is entering a new phase due to the security situation Eastern Europe,” Bologen said. “I am pleased that Rhinemetall sees us as an important and serious partner and is strengthening its presence in Romania.”
Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall, said the ammunition powder produced at the factory is “needed around the world and especially in Europe” and will make Romania a major player in the continent’s defense ecosystem.
“The strategy is to make Romania an integral part of the European ecosystem,” Papageor said. “Romania will also be an integral part of the NATO ecosystem.”
As Russia launches its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Romania has assumed a leading role in NATO. It has donated a Patriot missile system to Ukraine and opened an international training center for F-16 jet pilots from allied countries, including Ukraine.