New Strategic Landmarks for Romania’s War Equipment and Materials Production Sector
New Strategic Landmarks for Romania’s War Equipment and Materials Production Sector

Author(s): Ionel Bostan, Cristina Mihaela Lazăr
Subject(s): Economy, National Economy, Micro-Economics, Green Transformation
Published by: Икономически университет - Варна
Keywords: Romania; defense industry / war production; NATO; European Union; economic governance
Summary/Abstract: Background and aim: This paper analyzes Romania’s new strategic landmarks in the production of defense equipment and materials, against the backdrop of Russia’s war in Ukraine and Romania’s positioning on NATO’s Eastern flank. The study aims to highlight the dual character of war production, which functions both as a military necessity and as an economic and technological driver. Scope: The research is limited by its reliance on strategic documents and secondary literature, without direct empirical data from companies or stakeholders. Methods: The authors apply an interdisciplinary approach combining documentary analysis, comparative perspectives, and critical assessment of domestic industrial capacities, framed along economic, technological, and geopolitical dimensions. Results: The findings reveal significant vulnerabilities in Romania’s defense industry—such as outdated technologies, weak governance, and dependence on imports—while also identifying opportunities in NATO/EU funding, strategic partnerships, and emerging technologies. Conclusions: The paper argues that Romania’s ability to transform its defense industry into a competitive, resilient, and integrated sector depends on sustained investment, governance reforms, and international cooperation. Originality: The paper contributes to the literature by linking war production with economic governance and innovation, framing it as a tool of resilience and convergence with NATO/EU industrial chains. Practical implications: The study offers insights for policymakers, suggesting that Romania’s defense industry can evolve from vulnerability to strategic strength by aligning military necessity with economic modernization and collective security goals.

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