The Employers’ Organization of the Defense Industry (OPIA) organized today, May 6, 2026, a working meeting dedicated to enhancing industrial cooperation within the SAFE program.
Over 30 companies from the Romanian defense industry, members of the organization, together with Rheinmetall, identified concrete directions for integrating the national defense industry into European production and strategic development programs by leveraging Romania’s existing industrial, technological, and logistical capabilities.
Focus on Romanian Industry Capacity and Production Localization
During the discussions, participants emphasized the importance of actively involving Romanian companies — both public and private — in the implementation of the SAFE program, considering the country’s industrial experience, existing infrastructure, and available technological capabilities.
Participants explored opportunities for:
- localizing the production of ammunition and armaments in Romania;
- integrating Romanian economic operators into European production and supply chains;
- developing long-term industrial and technological partnerships;
- transferring know-how and developing local industrial capabilities.
OPIA believes that the development of the European defense industry must genuinely and fairly include the Romanian defense sector by utilizing existing capacities and fostering strategic partnerships that generate added value in Romania.
Openness to Strategic Partnerships within SAFE
In this context, OPIA reaffirms its openness to collaboration with all industrial and institutional partners involved in the SAFE program, aiming to build a competitive and integrated European defense industrial base.
The meeting also addressed subsequent technical steps, including the assessment of Romania’s existing production capacities and the identification of concrete industrial cooperation projects.
At the same time, the application of Rheinmetall Automecanica S.R.L. to join OPIA represents a positive signal regarding the interest of international companies in developing industrial projects in Romania alongside Romanian economic operators.
Mr. Răzvan-Marian Pîrcălăbescu, President of OPIA, stated:
“The SAFE program represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen the national defense industry and to develop production capabilities localized in Romania. Romanian companies, both public and private, possess the expertise and infrastructure required to become relevant partners within European defense projects. OPIA supports the development of balanced and open partnerships with all stakeholders involved in the SAFE program, for the benefit of the Romanian industry and European security.”
About OPIA
OPIA supports Romanian defense companies in developing strategic projects, strengthening national industrial capabilities, and accessing relevant international partnerships that contribute to the security and competitiveness of the European defense industry.
OPIA is not merely an organization, but a platform for international collaboration and cooperation in the strategic defense sector, bringing together key players from both the national and international markets. Rheinmetall’s application and accession to OPIA further confirm the organization’s role and importance.
