Romanian Army

Romanian Army
Unit name	Romanian Army
Native name	Armata Română
Caption	Coat of arms of the Romanian Land Forces
Founded	28 November 1860
Country	Romania
Branch	Romanian Land Forces
Type	Army
Role	Land warfare
Size	35,000 active personnel (2024)
Command structure	Ministry of National Defense
Garrison	Bucharest
Garrison label	Headquarters
Motto	*"Credință și Patrie" (Faith and Fatherland)
Colors	Blue, red, yellow
Anniversaries	23 April – Army Day
Battles	Romanian War of Independence, Second Balkan War, World War I, World War II, War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), Iraq War
Current commander	Lieutenant General Mihail Popa
Notable commanders	Mihail Kogălniceanu, Alexandru Averescu, Constantin Prezan, Ion Antonescu

Romanian Army. It is the principal land warfare component of the Romanian Armed Forces, tracing its institutional origins to 1860. Operating under the authority of the Ministry of National Defense and integrated within the NATO command structure, its primary mission is to ensure the territorial defense of Romania and contribute to collective security alliances. The force is a modern, professional military equipped with a mix of NATO-standard and upgraded legacy systems, actively participating in international peacekeeping and combat operations.

History

The modern army's foundations were laid by Alexandru Ioan Cuza following the unification of the Danubian Principalities. It first saw major combat during the Romanian War of Independence, fighting alongside Russia against the Ottoman Empire. Its performance in World War I, particularly during the Battle of Mărășești and the Battle of Mărăști, was crucial for national survival. During World War II, it initially fought as part of the Axis powers in the Eastern Front, including the Siege of Odessa, before switching sides after the August 23 Coup to fight against Nazi Germany in operations such as the Budapest Offensive. The post-war period saw it subordinated to the Warsaw Pact until the Romanian Revolution of 1989, after which it began a comprehensive restructuring for integration with NATO, which it joined in 2004.

Organization

The army is commanded from its headquarters in Bucharest and is organized into two main corps. The 2nd Infantry Division and the 4th Infantry Division form the core of its operational land forces. These divisions comprise several maneuver brigades, including the 26th Infantry Brigade, the 280th Infantry Brigade, and the 2nd Mountain Troops Brigade. Supporting elements include the 1st CIMIC Battalion, the 53rd Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment, and the 10th Engineer Brigade. The elite 6th Special Operations Brigade operates under separate command.

Equipment

Its main battle tank fleet is centered on modernized TR-85 and TR-85M1 models, with plans to acquire newer platforms. The infantry fighting vehicle inventory includes the indigenous MLI-84 and a growing number of modernized Piranha V vehicles. Artillery capabilities are provided by the APR-40 and LAROM multiple rocket launcher systems, alongside towed howitzers like the M1989. The army fields a variety of anti-tank guided missiles, including the Spike and Milan. Air defense relies on systems such as the Grom and the CA-95.

Personnel

As of 2024, it maintains approximately 35,000 active-duty soldiers, with an additional 50,000 in the reserve component. Conscription was abolished in 2007, transitioning to a fully professional volunteer force. Officer training is conducted at prestigious institutions like the Carol I National Defence University in Bucharest and the Military Academy in Sibiu. The rank structure follows the NATO standardized system, and personnel are regularly evaluated through multinational exercises such as Joint Warrior and Saber Guardian.

International deployments

It has been a consistent contributor to NATO and European Union-led missions. Significant long-term deployments included the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), where forces were stationed in Kandahar and Zabul Province, and the Iraq War, operating in sectors like Dhi Qar and Basra. Current ongoing missions include participation in KFOR in Kosovo, the EUTM Mali, and the Enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup in Poland. It also contributes to the Resolute Support Mission and various United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Traditions and insignia

The official motto is "Credință și Patrie" (Faith and Fatherland). Army Day is celebrated on 23 April, commemorating the Battle of Dealul Spirii. The service uniform features distinctive colors of blue, red, and yellow, reflecting the national flag. Unit colors often bear battle honors from conflicts like the Battle of Plevna and Battle of Mărășești. The highest military award is the Order of Michael the Brave, established by King Ferdinand I. Ceremonial duties are performed by the Guard Regiment, and the Central Military Band of the Romanian Land Forces plays a key role in state functions.

Category:Military of Romania Romania