Romania is urging NATO to react to Russian missile and drone incursions into its airspace.
The Romanian Defense Minister called for a “robust, coordinated response” from the alliance.
The NATO member also announced it would increase its acquisition of ammunition in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Romania’s Supreme Defense Council (CSAT) this week said that Russia’s aggressive moves in the region had forced it to reassess its military acquisition efforts to strengthen its defensive capabilities.
In a statement, the council said that changes would include “the increased acquisition of combat ammunition and the gradual build-up of strategic reserves.”
Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr urged NATO carry out “robust, coordinated” responses to Russian missile and drone incursions into Romania’s airspace.
“B9 states are profoundly concerned about the repeated incursions of Russia’s drones and missiles in NATO air space, in Poland, Romania, Latvia, as well as escalating tensions along NATO’s eastern flank,” Tîlvăr said.
“That is why a robust, coordinated response on an allied level is needed as well as enforcing the rotational air defense and integrated anti-missile model as soon as possible,” he added.
Russian drones have repeatedly strayed into Romania’s airspace over the last year.
Earlier this month, Romanian authorities said they were investigating after a Russian drone crashed after breaching its airspace.
The B9, Bucharest Nine group was formed after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. It includes Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.
Following the news, former NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana said NATO condemned “the overnight Russian airspace violation into Romanian airspace.”
“While we have no information indicating an intentional attack by Russia against Allies, these acts are irresponsible and potentially dangerous,” he added.
The B9 countries underlined the importance of boosting European air defenses.
“We need a collective answer within NATO to challenges posed by modern weapons and technologies including through boosting our capabilities of detecting, identifying and, if necessary, engaging low and slow flying objects,” the statement said, Agerpres reported.
Romania’s strategic location, located between Ukraine and on the Black Sea, has made it a strategic hub for NATO forces.
The Black Sea Mihail Kogalniceanu air base is set to become NATO’s biggest base in Europe, with the base expanded to allow for 10,000 NATO personnel and their families.
