Defense & Aerospace

Why Romania?

Romania is a committed NATO ally since 2004, actively investing in defense modernization and maintaining significant aerospace manufacturing capabilities. The country hosts critical NATO infrastructure including the Deveselu Aegis Ashore missile defense site and Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base.

Key Strengths

• NATO Alliance: Active member with 2%+ GDP defense spending commitment and frontline positioning on NATO's eastern flank.
• Aerospace Manufacturing: IAR Brașov produces helicopters and aircraft components with established licensing agreements.
• Defense Modernization: $8B+ multi-year procurement program including F-16 fighters, Patriot missiles, and naval upgrades.
• Strategic Basing: NATO missile defense site, U.S. rotational forces, and Black Sea naval operations.
• MRO Capabilities: Maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities for aircraft, vehicles, and systems.
• Shipbuilding: Naval shipyards producing corvettes and support vessels with NATO standard systems.

Kentucky Connection

Kentucky has significant defense and aerospace presence:

• Fort Knox - U.S. Army armor and cavalry training center
• Fort Campbell - 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)
• Blue Grass Army Depot - chemical weapon destruction facility
• GE Aviation - jet engine manufacturing and testing
• Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, and defense contractor presence
• University of Louisville Speed School aerospace engineering programs