Stories from Romania

Students from the Nicolae Evalcescu Land Forces Academy in Sibiu participated in a competition focused on building and using drones. The initiative was launched by a student who had the idea to construct his own drone.

A competition focused on the construction and use of drones served as a launchpad into the field for Romanian Military Academy students. This initiative is part of the country's deepening study of UAVs in education. The competition involves navigating challenges and demonstrating technical proficiency with the drones. This focus on drone technology is expected to provide a better perspective on the battlefield, diversify maneuver options, and potentially aid in the transportation of materials for logistics or medical purposes. The speaker mentioned having personal drones for individual training and passion. Training and individual passion were mentioned in relation to the competition. Romania has received seven first prizes, five second prizes, and five third prizes in a global competition for space settlement projects. The competition was named the Gerald K.

Plutonier major Jipa Alexandru from the 15th Mechanized Brigade is working to inspire young recruits. He stated that the work requires physical condition and a lot of food.

Tomorrow's graduates are expected to bring about changes within their respective institutions.

The concept of military leadership is undergoing transformations from one generation to another. In 2026, a modern military leader must be more than just a good commander. Bogdan Dinu is involved in the current training.

Colonel Dumitru Toto Siuc, commander of the Nicolae Balcescu Land Forces Academy in Sibiu, discussed the academy's educational offerings. These students express a desire to contribute to their country. The focus is on training military leaders for 2026. Brian Andrea, a cadet at the Nicolae Bălcescu Land Forces Academy in Sibiu, is participating in a competition. This event was highlighted by Radio Romania International. The students discussed their participation and a new technological innovation. The students' interest in the field began during their high school years, inspired by online videos of drones performing acrobatics and entering confined spaces. The event involved simulated launches, cargo placements, and reconnaissance missions in complex operational environments. This event is part of ongoing training for cadets like Plutonier Major Jipa Alexander-ul.

Airbus will establish a maintenance center for Central Europe in Romania. This center will also serve as a training facility for technicians specializing in engine maintenance, in partnership with Turbo Mecanica.

Romania currently has 288 living war veterans from World War II, along with 8 war widows. Currently, 288 war veterans and 8 war widows are alive. Colonel Dogarul, head of the quality of life for personnel in the National Defense Ministry, spoke at the event. The National Association of War Veterans held its annual assembly, honoring veterans of war. A national defense minister's order awarded the Emblem of Honor to Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Ion Iliie, the oldest war veteran in Romania, who is 113 years old. Efforts are being made to make their lives more beautiful. Veterans of war and their relatives can contact a non-stop phone line for any issues they encounter. The initiative aims to provide support and ensure they do not feel alone. The Directorate for Quality of Life of Personnel is assisting war veterans and their families.

Romania's program includes 36 new vehicles and 18,000 artillery shells for its ground forces. The exercise, Federated Cloud 2026, evaluated data exchange and cooperation among NATO partners. Romania, the United States, Poland, and Slovakia took part. The Romanian Air Force, alongside NATO allies, is conducting numerous enhanced air police missions from an airfield to combat the threat of Russian drones near the Ukrainian border. A Romanian F-16 Fighting Falcon and a German Eurofighter Typhoon were observed on a concrete platform. The ceremony involved a Romanian Air Force Fighting Falcon and a British Royal Air Force Eurofighter. This event marks the handover and assumption of command for the enhanced air policing mission of the alliance in Romania. The US Air Force has chosen Borcea Air Base as its new location.

Romania's interim Minister of Transport is demanding urgent explanations after discovering 21 modernized train sets that have been unused since the beginning of the year. Interested parties can train with specialized staff and undergo simulations of the physical fitness test, which is essential for admission. Starting this year, Romanian citizens aspiring for a military career can receive free training for admission into military educational institutions. Colonel Dmitru Todosiuk, commander of the Nicolae Bălcescu Land Forces Academy in Sibiu, discussed this initiative. This program aims to prepare young individuals for military service over the next 20 to 40 years. These programs involve activities such as obstacle courses, flag ceremonies, and shooting practice. Several dozen candidates have already enrolled in military academies and sub-officer schools.