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Romania urges NATO to respond to Russian missiles and drones in its airspace.
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Romania’s defense minister called for a “strong, coordinated response” from the alliance.
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The country also announced it would purchase more ammunition in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Romania is taking strategic measures to strengthen its defenses in light of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, accelerating the acquisition of ammunition and calling on NATO to respond to Russian incursions into its airspace.
Romania’s Supreme Council for National Defense (CSAT) said this week that Russia’s aggressive measures in the region have forced the country to reconsider and adjust its military procurement efforts to strengthen its defensive capabilities. Euractiv reported.
In a statement, the CSAT said the changes would include “the increased procurement of combat ammunition and the gradual build-up of strategic reserves,” according to Euractiv.
It comes as Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr urged NATO to carry out “robust, coordinated” responses to Russian missile and drone incursions into Romanian airspace.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Tîlvăr said: “The B9 states are deeply concerned about the repeated incursions of Russian drones and missiles into NATO airspace, in Poland, Romania and Latvia, and about the increasing tensions along NATO’s eastern flank.”
“Therefore, a robust, coordinated response at the allied level is needed, as well as the earliest possible implementation of the rotational air defense model and the integrated anti-missile model,” he added.
The B9, or Bucharest Nine, was formed after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. The group consists of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia.
Russian drones have repeatedly entered Romanian airspace over the past year.
Earlier this month, Romanian authorities said They were investigating a Russian drone that crashed after entering the city’s airspace.
Following the news, former NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana said NATO condemned “Russia’s nighttime violation of Romanian airspace.”
“While we have no information indicating a deliberate attack by Russia on allies, these actions are irresponsible and potentially dangerous,” he added.
The B9 countries underlined the importance of strengthening European air defence in a statement earlier this week.
“We need a collective response within NATO to the challenges posed by modern weapons and technologies, including by increasing our capabilities to detect, identify and, if necessary, engage low-flying and slow-flying objects,” the statement said, according to the Romanian Press Agency Old age.
Romania’s strategic location, bordering Ukraine and on the Black Sea coast, makes the country an important hub for NATO forces.
The country Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base to Become Alliance’s Largest Base in Europe.
The base is expected to expand significantly to accommodate 10,000 NATO personnel and their families.
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