Florian Coldea would be involved in the new corvette's purchase program for the Romanian Army
Romania has signed a cooperation agreement with the Cooperation Organization in the field of common endowment (OCCAR), an essential step for the acquisition of four fighting corvettes through the European Program Corvette (EMC). The document was signed earlier this week by the Minister of Defense, Ionuț Moșteanu, and by the OCCAR director, Joachim Sucker, according to a statement sent by the Ministry of National Defense (MApN).
Photo inquam Photos / Octav Ganea
“The signing of this agreement represents a major step towards the modernization of the army, a deeper integration in the European defense system and supporting the national industry in the field. It gives us access to the latest technologies and strengthen cooperation with European partners”said Minister Mosteanu.
Against the background of this agreement, sources from the Ministry of Defense claim that there could be informal influences around the file again. The name of Florian Coldea, former first deputy of the SRI, would have reappeared in the discussions on consulting and lobby environment around the Corvette program, notes the Event of the Day.
Coldea's connection with this subject dates from the national auction period of 2024, when it was presented as one of the consultants involved in the procedure. He was also surprised, according to the press, in a military uniform, at an event organized in February 2020, at the teaching of a corvette built by Damen for Pakistan.
“The reserve general Florian Coldea participated in the ceremony dressed in uniform, along with officials of the Romanian naval forces and the builder”, He then wrote the day's event.
Journalist Liviu Alexa noted, in turn: “A simple photo from February 14, 2020 proves that Florian Coldea was there, in uniform, as a brand guest. A at least strange presence for a reserve officer.”
Sources in the defense industry claim that the new European contract could include consulting services valued at millions of euros, and the identity of the Romanian group that will provide this interface has not yet been announced.
“The question is not only who will build the ships, but also who will intermediate between the Romanian state and the European consortium. Recent history has shown us that there are often real interests.” told Adevărul an expert in defense policies.
Four corvettes for Romania – first, in 2030
Four corvettes for Romania – the first, in 2030. According to the MApN plan, the first corvette intended for Romania would be operational in 2030, and the other three will be delivered by 2035. The EMC program brings together countries such as Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Denmark, Portugal and Croatia, with the objective of building a modular, multifunctional ships, 110 meters.
The project is managed by the Occar, in partnership with Navis, a joint venture between Fincantieri and Naval Group, along with Navantia and other European partners. The agreement offers Romania access to state -of -the -art technologies and the European funds for defense, but also the possibility of involving the local industry in the construction and maintenance process.
