Romania's Ministry of Defence (MApN) announced on May 21, 2026, that the European Commission approved a €16.68 billion financing package under the SAFE mechanism. This decision positions Romania as the second-largest user of the program after Poland.

The financing package will support Romania's armed forces in a comprehensive rearmament strategy focused on modernizing mechanized units, establishing multi-layered air defense systems, and enhancing Black Sea security. Between 2026 and 2030, €9.6 to €9.98 billion will be allocated to 21 procurement projects, while remaining funds will finance programs under the Ministry of Interior and dual-use transport infrastructure for Moldova and Ukraine.

Procurements financed under the package include new armored combat vehicles, air defense systems, offshore patrol vessels, anti-ship missiles, and H225M helicopters. These systems aim to enhance Romania's capacity to counter unmanned aerial vehicle attacks, protect critical infrastructure in the Black Sea, and support NATO reinforcement operations near Ukraine and Moldova.

Romania's SAFE structure will be managed through an inter-agency coordination mechanism involving the Prime Minister's Chancellery, MApN, CSAT, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Finance, and intelligence services. This framework prioritizes modernization of mechanized units, phased air and missile defense, and maritime reinforcement in the Black Sea. The initiative also aims to expand Romania's defense industrial production capacity and integrate the country more deeply into Europe's military supply chain through technology transfer and local production requirements.