Romanian Drone Project To Be Approved in Memorandum by Government

Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu recently announced the Romanian Drone Project, which shows that Romania is making significant strides in its defence capabilities.

On November 21, 2024, Ciolacu confirmed that the government had officially approved a memorandum to launch this initiative. The initiative aims to develop advanced military drones through collaboration between the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digitalization.

Key Highlights of the Romanian Drone Project

• Local Production: Ciolacu emphasized that Romania’s domestic industry is equipped to produce high-tech drones. He noted his visit to the state-owned company CARFIL in Brașov, where he observed promising developments in drone technology. The project aims to create a prototype drone by next year, potentially manufactured at one of Romarm’s facilities.
• Collaborative Efforts: This initiative involves cooperation among research institutions and private companies. Notably, over 13 institutions are also working on concepts for agricultural drones, showcasing a broad commitment to drone technology across multiple sectors.
• Technological Focus: The project will prioritize the development of a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of dual-use applications. This includes creating systems for both military and civilian purposes, such as surveillance and agricultural monitoring.
• Funding and Support: The memorandum outlines using scientific research funding and technological development resources to support the national defence industry’s growth. This strategic move aims to ensure Romania’s autonomy in defence capabilities while fostering local innovation in aerospace technology.

The Romanian Drone Project represents a pivotal moment for the country’s defence sector. It aims to enhance military capabilities and stimulate economic growth through innovation and job creation in high-tech industries.

As the project progresses, it could position Romania as a competitive player in the global drone market.