Romania’s Ministry of Defense is in talks with Ukrainian drone manufacturers on launching a joint project to localize drone production in the country. The initiative goes beyond the procurement of ready-made systems and предусматривает the creation of a full-scale manufacturing process with technology transfer and ongoing innovation development. Romanian Defense Minister Radu Miruta said the project is designed as a strategic partnership that would help Romania strengthen its own defense potential.
The project is expected to be financed with €200 million under the European SAFE program (“Security Action for Europe”). Romanian defense officials say the country aims to become not only a recipient of military support, but also an active participant in building its own defense industry. This would mark a shift toward a more independent role in the development and production of modern military equipment.
According to the minister, the contract between the parties is expected to be signed by the end of May. Experts and company representatives from Ukraine and Romania are already engaged in active consultations, discussing specific technical solutions that could be rapidly implemented in production. As part of these talks, the Ukrainian side is presenting its technologies and experience gained under real battlefield conditions.
Miruta also said that around 15 Ukrainian companies specializing in drone manufacturing are expected to present their technical capabilities and products. This will allow the Romanian side to assess how closely its requirements align with the capabilities of Ukraine’s defense industry, which has already proven the effectiveness of its solutions in practice.
According to the published materials, the Ukrainian delegation in the talks is being led by Deputy Defense Minister for European Integration Serhii Boiev. This underlines the high level of cooperation and its importance for both countries.
The project is being developed within the broader SAFE European initiative, established by a decision of the EU Council in May 2025. The instrument is designed to mobilize up to €150 billion in investment for the defense-industrial sector across EU member states. Its goal is to accelerate the development of defense technologies, expand manufacturing capacity, eliminate weapons shortages, and strengthen the EU’s overall defense readiness.
The SAFE program also provides favorable financing terms, including a grace period of up to 10 years, and allows agreements not only among EU member states but also with partners such as Ukraine. This creates additional opportunities for integrating Ukraine’s defense sector into the European industrial base.
More broadly, SAFE forms part of the wider “ReArm Europe” initiative through 2030, which envisages mobilizing up to €800 billion for defense needs. One of the program’s key objectives is also to expand support for Ukraine and deepen cooperation with its defense industry.
