The Romanian Navy is preparing to receive a brand-new corvette next year, built in Turkey, fully equipped and ready for missions.
The vessel, an investment of over 100 million euros, is „turnkey” and is only awaiting approval from Parliament in September.
Defense Minister Ionuț Moșteanu promises that it will parade on Navy Day 2026 and will strengthen Romania's defense capability in the Black Sea.
Naval cooperation with allies in the Black Sea
"Whatever we do in the Black Sea, we do not do alone, and we have a very good example of a joint operation, the MCM Black Sea demining operation, the task force we have together with allies from Turkey and Bulgaria, a good example of cooperation in this common sea of ours, which we must defend," Moșteanu declared on Friday at Digi24, shortly before the start of Navy Day events.
He added that the exercise will be expanded, being essential for protecting the energy infrastructure.
A mission-ready ship
The ship is equipped with NATO standard armament and will receive additional armament, including missiles, in Romania.
Comprehensive naval equipment plan
In addition to the corvette, Moșteanu presented other ongoing acquisitions: helicopters, amphibious vehicles, and equipment for divers.
"We have a signed contract for 21 amphibious vehicles from the United States, which are due to arrive next year, and we are in discussions for another 44. We are talking about Vibat missiles with vertical launch. There is a donated system and two systems to be purchased, to be delivered. By 2029, two Airbus H215 helicopters are also expected," he specified.
The minister recalled that after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, allied states decided to increase military budgets.
"They agreed to spend up to 5% of GDP on equipment. The most important resource remains human resources because these high-performance equipment are just mobile assets if they are not backed by well-trained and motivated individuals," Moșteanu emphasized.
Positive recruitment trend
Referring to personnel, the minister stated that after many years, the Romanian Army recorded a "positive increase" in recruitment in 2024.
"More people have joined the Romanian Army than have left. (…) We must maintain this motivation, they must know that they are equipped side by side with allied partners with whom they are engaged in common activities every day," Moșteanu stressed.