Service members observe an Unmanned Aircraft Systems demonstration near Mihail Kogalniceanu Airbase in Romania on Nov. 27, 2024. This week, the Army’s top civilian official signed a deal to enhance cooperation with Romania in the production of drones and counter-drone technology. (Kourtney Nunnery/U.S. Army)
STUTTGART, Germany — The Army’s top civilian signed a deal this week to deepen cooperation with Romania in the production of drones and counter-drone technology.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll signed a memorandum Monday during a stop in Bucharest, making Romania the second country to gain access to the Counter-UAS Marketplace platform, the defense ministry said in a statement. The United Kingdom was the first to do so.
The Counter-UAS Marketplace is an online tool that helps users quickly find and buy systems to detect and defeat drones.
The platform provides access to a constantly updated catalog of more than 1,600 systems, helping to speed up the buying process, the ministry said.
Driscoll also met with Romanian defense chief Gen. Gheorghita Vlad, who discussed coordination with the United States and its role in supporting regional security. About 1,000 American service members are based in the country.
“Cooperation with the U.S. Army is an essential pillar of regional security, and the dialogue with (Driscoll) confirms the shared commitment to strengthening the defense posture on the eastern flank,” Vlad said in a statement. “The strategic partnership with the United States of America remains fundamental for the rapid adaptation to the new security challenges.”
While the Pentagon reduced troop levels in Romania in October, ending a rotational brigade’s mission, the Army is considering other programs aimed at boosting cooperation.
One idea being considered is a new training mission that could involve sending a U.S. tank unit to train with Romanian forces.
Romania has positioned itself as a key U.S. ally in southern Europe, with Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base serving as a key hub for U.S. forces in southeastern Europe. In March, Romania granted the U.S. permission to use its bases for operations in Iran.
Driscoll’s stop also included a meeting with Romanian President Nicusor Dan, who touted the two countries’ military ties.
“Romania continues to be the most reliable U.S. partner and ally at the Black Sea, where challenges and risks tend to increase, affecting the Euro-Atlantic security,” Dan said in a statement afterward.
