CSAT decided on “measures to strengthen the Armed Forces” due to Russian attacks on the border

By Romania Journal Last updated Feb 21, 2024

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The Supreme Council of Defense of the Country (CSAT) decided, on Wednesday, “measures to strengthen the Romanian Armed Forces” in the context of the Russian attacks on Romania’s border. “However, NATO’s support must be accompanied by increased own efforts to strengthen the national defense”, according to a statement sent by the Presidential Administration.

The CSAT meeting took place in the context in which the head of the Army recently declared that we cannot shoot down attack drones entering Romania because we do not have legislation.

“The main topic addressed was the serious security situation in the Black Sea region and the implications for Romania. Two years after Russia launched the war of aggression against Ukraine, the security situation in Romania’s eastern neighborhood continues to be threatened by Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, resulting in numerous casualties and material damage. For our country, the war situation in the neighboring state maintains the risks of incidents that may affect the territory and citizens of Romania, as well as the dangers regarding the safety of navigation in the Black Sea due to drifting mines and Russia’s hostile actions”, the press release reads.

The CSAT members “analysed the internal measures taken to protect the integrity of the territory and the population of Romania, as well as the additional actions that are required. Romania benefits from the support of NATO and its allies for the defense of security in the area of the Danube and the shores of the Black Sea, through air police missions and air defense and surveillance capabilities. At the same time, however, NATO’s support must be accompanied by increased own efforts to strengthen national defense.”

According to the press release, “Council members ordered measures to strengthen the Romanian Armed Forces, including by ensuring the appropriate legal framework to meet Romania’s defense requirements in the current context.”

Recently, General Vlad Gheorghiță, the Chief of the General Staff, declared that the military does not have the necessary legislation to shoot down attack drones that would enter Romania’s airspace, as happened last year.

According to the general, this would require the amendment of four laws. In the interview given to Europa Libera, the chief of the Defense General Staff explained that, last year, the military had another impediment in shooting down foreign drones, other than the legislative one. “There was a lack of means. Only now was the contract signed with a supplier from South Korea”, claimed General Gheorghiţă Vlad.

Asked “You mean you didn’t have projectiles?”, he replied: “We didn’t have combat systems. The projectile is part of the employment system”.

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