Europe offers us billions for defense and development, but can we take them? The recipe for success given by the Romanian who sells weapons all over the globe

Romania receives a loan of over 16 billion euros from the European Commission, through the “Safe” program. The money is intended for the endowment of the Romanian army, but they will also reach the civil-military infrastructure. The military analyst Aurel Cazacu has run the defense industry for years and explains, in an analysis for “Adevărul”, how we can use these funds and what are the priorities.

Romania has F16 aircraft. Photo: Mapn

Romania has largely missed a poor PNR from the beginning, but which was even more annulled by the inability of governments to absorb European funds. Now, for Romania a second chance is shown. Specifically, our country could benefit from 16.68 billion euros, money that would come from the European Commission through the new financial instrument “Action for Europe Security” (SAFE).

This money can be used by Romania both for the endowment of the army, but also for the civil-military infrastructure: bridges, roads, highways and railways. Basically, Romania is attributed to the two largest amount in the European Union, after Poland. By the end of November we will finalize, together with the European Commission, the list of concrete projects.

How can we use the money from Brussels

Some of the money could reach the mixed civil and military infrastructure. Important amounts would be intended for portions of the highways in the northeast of Romania: A7 and A8, Pașcani-Suceava-Siret, respectively Pașcani-Iași-Ungheni, but also in railways or ports.

The military analyst Aurel Cazacu, the man who has run the military industry of Romania for years and has done business with almost all the states around the world, explains, for “Adevărul”, which would be the successful recipe to be able not only to attract this European money, but to invest with their heads and obtain economic development from them.

The good news is, says the expert, that from this money not only can be made military technique acquisitions, but much of the amount can be used to restore and develop the defense industry by re -establishing or modernizing some military technique factories.

“It is an exceptional news for us. We are still lucky with the geographical position in which we are. As an idea, I think this allocation, due to the position and importance of Romania, is very normal. We are in 2nd place after Poland and it seems very correct that this money is given, Europe needs us.”says the expert.

And because the politicians are already cramming to pose in heroes and boast of this allocation of funds, Aurel Cazacu draws attention to the fact that the politics have come to take a step back, and the decisions regarding the use of these funds and projects will be made by military experts.

Politicians to take a step in the back

“My opinion is that the politician must take a step back and let the decision be of the military. And then the military must, to give a good signal, at the same time to cooperate with the specialized Romanian industry. Because, we see what happens, the world mockens of conflicts, the situation is not simple. The types, from small to big calibers ”, Cazacu says.

To win will have the entire economy of the country, considers the expert. And the military industry will have to collaborate excellently with the civil industry, for the best results. Last but not least, adds Aurel Cazacu, private companies should be included in the equation.

“In order for the program to be a success, it takes a best collaboration between the civil industry and the defense industry. And, then, the defense industry to satisfy, through what it produces, the operational requirements of those who fight. For, you see, the endowment is not secret, secret is only the use in battle. At one point, there are also private companies that can mount large equipment, but those large equipment can be mounted by the state plants, and the private industry, horizontally, to make components ”, adds the expert.

How can the Civil Industry of the money for the army can take advantage of

He also gives some examples in this regard. “For example, we have taken F16 aircraft. But I can very well in Romania to produce pressure storms, I can produce cables, I can produce electrical, electronic systems, bulbs, everything needed. We take ships, we take carriers. The cooperation of state companies with private companies and private companies must stimulate this cooperation, because otherwise they will argue”, Says Cazacu.

Aurel Cazacu believes that there are enough competent people who, if they are left by politicians, will succeed with this project.

Aurel Cazacu has run the defense industry for years. Photo: personal archive

“We have a new director in Romarm, he is very young and has already experience and has been involved. He does not come from somewhere outside the system, he is not an unknowns, but he comes from the system and knows what he has to do and has political relations. They are very good directors in the factories in Romarm. You have to work. Supervision in the area of ​​the defense industry, first are the services of the army, but the other services have departments.”, Says the expert.

Some of the money will return to the Romanian economy and can contribute to the economic growth and the reduction of the deficit, in the medium and long term.

“Let's take, say, the example of a private company that makes pressure hoses for armored carriers. It may very well make cables and pressure hoses, for tractors, for excavators, for any necessary. It can also do for Dacia or for Ford, for any company. Regarding the problem of military equipment, there is a lot of technology, there is a lot of technology.”He believes.

At the same time, adds the expert, it is essential for Romania to attract investments from abroad and in the defense industry. Moreover, from the collaboration with the big companies in the European and American military industry, huge benefits for Romania should result. Over time, these companies should produce military technique in Romania and for the Romanian army, but also for export.

What we make and what we could do extra in Romania

Aurel Cazacu also says to what military technique and ammunition an important part of money should be directed.

“We currently manufacture the Piranha 5 armor, which is done in Bucharest. Then we have 4×4 field cars that will be done at Automecanica Mediaș. They are manufactured by a company in Turkey. About 100 pieces will be made there and, then, the rest will be done in Romania. But the assimilation process in Romania is very important, I need to the specialist. Because the world has changed.he says.

Romania will have to produce, in the vision of the expert, ships for the military.

“It must necessarily be that the part of the corvettes should be made in Romania. So I say we can, we have potential to make tanks, cornice, helicopters, artillery and drones. And in a few years we also assemble planes, why not?” points Aurel Cazacu.

He declares himself optimistic and says that if the correct steps are taken, the project will mean a great success.

“I am optimistic. There must be adequate management and someone has to gather all these people at a table and tell them that now it is a very important moment in which we have money. Because the money has been missing so far, so, which is why the defense industry has been in the fall. From now on it is important to have the same table. And now we receive this money.”, Says Aurel Cazacu.

And after Romania will pick up its own military industry and manage to improve its civil-military infrastructure, it should follow another stage.

“Romania obtained from the sale of weapons only around 200 million euros, last year. The Bulgarians took over two billion, and the Poles about seven billion. To know where we are! In the old days, we obtained more money than both countries in one place, we were among the countries in the world that obtained the most money. What we set up, let's start exporting. concludes Aurel Cazacu.

When will we know exactly what the money goes

The European Commission claims that the governments of the Member States must send the final list of investments through SAFE until the end of November. The total SAFE budget, created to support the Member States to make fast and important investments in the industry and defense technology, is 150 billion euros.

These are reimbursable European funds, but with minimal interest. Specifically, the Safe program is a temporary emergency tool, operational until December 31, 2030, which offers EU Member States with a maximum maturity of 45 years and a 10 -year -old grace. Depending on the state's option, 15% of the loan can also be granted.