Romania, Moldova launch joint military procurement project under European SAFE program

Romania and the neighbouring Republic of Moldova signed documents on Monday, November 2, establishing their first joint military procurement program. The project will support the modernization of Moldova’s armed forces and increase interoperability between the two countries’ militaries.

Under the agreement, Moldova’s Resource Provision and Heritage Administration Agency will acquire 62 IVECO trucks in three configurations from Italian company IDV Defence Vehicles, the Romanian government announced.

The agency became a contracting authority under a framework agreement signed by Romania’s Defense Ministry and IDV Defence Vehicles in 2019. That agreement provides for Romania’s acquisition of 2,909 wheeled multipurpose transport platforms.

“This agreement once again demonstrates that the special relationship of friendship and trust between the Republic of Moldova and Romania is reflected not only in declarations of mutual support, but also in concrete projects with a direct impact on our security and defense capabilities,” Moldovan defense minister Anatolie Nosatîi said.

In his turn, Romanian prime minister Luca Niculescu said the project would help both countries adapt their defense capabilities to current security challenges while supporting the European defense industry.

“The funding provided by the SAFE program represents a major opportunity for us to protect our territory and citizens,” Niculescu said.

He added that the vehicles would be produced, integrated, and undergo final testing in Romania, generating investment and jobs.

Romanian defense minister Ștefan-Radu Oprea said the project marked the first time the two countries had jointly procured military equipment.

“This project means cooperation and interoperability. From an operational perspective, we can integrate much more effectively, which benefits the security of both Romania and the Republic of Moldova,” Oprea said.

He noted that the IVECO factory is located in Romania’s Dâmbovița County and said the country’s existing production capacity would allow it to export military equipment.

Romania’s 2019 framework agreement with IDV Defence Vehicles covers 2,909 IVECO platforms for the Romanian military. A total of 2,039 had been delivered by October 30, 2026.