A NATO Ammunition Center of Excellence to be Built in Romania

Economy Minister Bogdan Ivan has announced that a NATO Ammunition Centre of Excellence for all of Europe will be built in Dragomirești, Dâmbovița County. The Romanian state has signed an agreement with the US government for the production of NATO-standard 120mm and 155mm caliber ammunition for the Romanian Army and the European Union.

“The most important outcome of our visit is that here, in Dragomirești, we will establish the NATO Ammunition Centre of Excellence for all of Europe,” Ivan said. “Two weeks ago, after intense technical and political negotiations, Romania signed a letter of request with the US government to attract $220 million in highly advantageous funding, bringing American technology in partnership with General Dynamics to Romania.”

The plant will manufacture ammunition for the Abrams tank and the K9 howitzer, making Romania the only NATO-standard ammo production facility in the EU. “This is a major strategic investment, solidifying Romania’s partnerships with the United States and its current administration,” Ivan added during a visit to the Dragomirești Special Products Factory, part of the state-owned defense company ROMARM.

Ivan emphasized that, regardless of political shifts, ROMARM must report progress on each strategic defense project by set deadlines. Romania’s long-term defense production strategy will span at least ten years, he said.

Furthermore, Romania plans to tap into a €150 billion EU financing mechanism with a 10-year grace period and a 40-year repayment term. “The goal is for at least 80% of defense production to take place on Romanian soil,” Ivan noted.

He also stressed the importance of U.S. partnerships in bringing state-of-the-art technology to Romania—not only to import it but to implement it domestically. “With this NATO Ammunition Centre of Excellence, we are entering a new stage of becoming a key regional supplier—not just for ourselves, but for our neighbors.”

Ivan highlighted that the initiative is viewed as a business opportunity and a vital part of Romania’s capacity-building effort to become a net exporter of defense goods. “In emergency situations, when supply chains may be delayed or disrupted, we must have the ability to produce as much as possible domestically,” he added.

The Minister mentioned five priority projects for 2025: a gunpowder plant, 155mm and 120mm production lines, RDX and TNT facilities in Făgăraș, drone manufacturing at Carfil Brașov, and licensing from Airbus for the H215 helicopter at IAR Ghimbav.

“In total, 2025 marks a 300% increase in budget allocation for production capacity over 2024,” Ivan stated. “Here in Dragomirești alone, a 30 million lei investment for a 155mm line must be implemented by year’s end.”

He concluded with a clear message to company leaders under the Ministry: only performance will be rewarded—those who fall behind will be replaced.