Munich Security Conference: MoND’s strategic consultations with the defence industry leaders

Munich Security Conference: MoND's strategic consultations with the defence industry leaders

A delegation of the Ministry of National Defence, led by Defence Minister, Radu Miruță, participated, between February 12 and 15, in the Munich Security Conference, one of the most important and prestigious international forums dedicated to debates on security and defence topics.

In an international context characterized by dynamic developments in global security, this year's edition of the Munich Security Conference provided a broad framework for reflection on the main trends influencing the international environment. The agenda, focused on areas such as defence, international order, global security, sustainability and technology, included debates on defence cooperation, transatlantic security, managing new risks and the impact of emerging technologies, as well as developments that mark the European and global security architecture.

In the context of the Conference, Minister of National Defence had bilateral meetings with counterparts and officials from allied states, as well as a series of meetings with representatives of the defence industry, the technology sector and strategic analysis organizations. The dialogues with defence companies - Rheinmetall, MBDA, ARX Robotics, Diehl Defense and Airbus Defense and Space - aimed at opportunities for industrial cooperation, developing capabilities and integrating emerging technologies in the Romanian Armed Forces modernization process.

Also, during the meeting with Sven Kruck, co-CEO of the German company Quantum Systems, discussions focused on opportunities for industrial cooperation in the field of unmanned aerial systems.

At the same time, the Minister of National Defence met with Siemtje Möller, Deputy of the Social Democratic Party in the Bundestag, responsible for foreign and security policy, in which context the recent developments in the European security environment were discussed.

The minister's agenda also included meetings with representatives of global technology leaders - Google Cloud, Amazon, Schwarz Group and SAP SE, McKinsey's Global Defence Practice and Oracle Corporation - on topics such as digitalization, technological innovation, cybersecurity and resilience of critical infrastructure. At the same time, meetings with senior officials from the Atlantic Council and The Cohen Group analysed regional security developments, the strengthening of the transatlantic relationship, NATO's and the European Union's role, as well as the prospects for support for Ukraine and defence investments.

During these talks, Minister Radu Miruță stressed that Romania must not only be a security beneficiary, but also an active provider, an objective that can only be achieved by consolidating a competitive defence industry. The Romanian official reiterated the need for its integration into the European ecosystem, so that it can produce, innovate and attract strategic investments.

A strong defence industry generates horizontal economic development, through the involvement of local suppliers, the creation of highly skilled jobs, skills transfer and technological innovation, consolidating the value chains that support the entire national economy.

The Press Office