TELEORMANUL NOU

Defense Minister Radu Miruță argues that the provision regarding 60% local production within the SAFE program has sparked dissatisfaction within the PSD and accuses a double standard compared to previous decisions.

The official criticizes, in a Facebook post, the lack of localization requirements in contracts signed in 2024 and 2025.

Miruță speaks about "the hypocrisy of those who pretend to be interested in producing in Romania" and gives as an example the contract for the acquisition of 91 trains, worth around 800 million euros. "Pay attention to what localization they requested for a contract of almost 1 billion euros, when they were deciding alone (PSD - ed.). The 91 trains in question these days (21 already arrived and are parked) cost 800 million euros. The contract was signed in January 2024, with the last additional act being signed on 06.05.2025," wrote the minister.

"Zero localization and no Romanian company involved"

The minister argues that, despite the existing industrial capacities, the authorities did not impose any conditions regarding the involvement of local companies. "Although Romania has expertise in producing both wagons and locomotives, although the Government should involve Romanian companies in any contract, well, the decision-makers in 2024 and 2025 did not even request 1% production in Romania from the value of this contract," Miruță stated.

He insisted that the situation equates to a total lack of local integration. "Yes, you understood correctly: zero localization and no Romanian company involved through the contract," emphasized the Defense Minister.

SAFE, a new point of reference in the dispute

In this context, Miruță explains why the provision regarding local production in the SAFE program is being contested by social democrats. "Do you understand why 60% production in Romania from SAFE irritates them? Because it becomes the reported reference against which their demanded zero localization is very far away," he further conveyed.

The statements come in the context of the European SAFE program, through which Romania finances military acquisitions of over 16 billion euros. Unlike previous contracts, the authorities have introduced clear obligations for production and maintenance in Romania in these projects, with the level of localization reaching around 60% in some cases, according to the Defense Minister.