United States–Romania Military Partnership

Romania has become one of America’s most important defense partners in Europe, hosting U.S. missile defense systems, air bases, and rotational combat forces. With Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, Romania has taken on a frontline role in NATO’s deterrence strategy, strengthening joint military training, intelligence-sharing, and regional security operations. Its Black Sea access and NATO integration make it a vital hub for U.S. defense strategy in Eastern Europe.

History

• 1990s–2004: After the fall of communism, Romania pursued closer ties with the U.S., joining NATO in 2004.
• 2005–2010: Signed the U.S.-Romania Defense Cooperation Agreement (2005) and Strategic Partnership Agreement (2011), allowing for U.S. troop presence and joint military training.
• 2016–Present: Romania has expanded its role in U.S. and NATO operations, particularly in Black Sea security, missile defense, and regional deterrence efforts.

Key Characteristics

• Military Bases & U.S. Troop Presence:
  • Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base (MKAB): Hosts U.S. rotational forces, F-16s, and refueling aircraft for NATO missions.
  • Câmpia Turzii Air Base: Supports U.S. drone and reconnaissance operations in the Black Sea region.
• Missile Defense Cooperation: Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System (Deveselu): A key component of NATO’s missile defense shield, intercepting potential ballistic missile threats from Iran or Russia.
• Joint Military Training & Exercises:
  • Defender Europe: Large-scale NATO drills enhancing interoperability between U.S. and Romanian forces.
  • Justice Eagle: U.S.-Romanian combined arms exercises strengthening combat readiness.
  • Sea Breeze: Black Sea naval drills with U.S. and NATO partners.
• Defense Modernization & Arms Sales: Romania has purchased Patriot missile defense systems, HIMARS rocket artillery, F-16 fighter jets, and Abrams tanks from the U.S. The U.S. assists in modernizing Romania’s naval and air capabilities for Black Sea defense.

Strategic Importance

• Black Sea Security Hub: Romania plays a key role in countering Russian military activity and ensuring NATO’s presence in the region.
• Missile Defense & NATO Integration: The Deveselu Aegis Ashore system strengthens NATO’s ballistic missile defense capabilities.
• Deterring Russian Aggression: U.S. troop presence and defense cooperation help reinforce NATO’s eastern flank and deter threats from Russia and hybrid warfare tactics.

Links

• U.S.-Romania Defense Cooperation Agreement (2005)
• Aegis Ashore Missile Defense in Romania
• U.S. Military Presence in Romania