The Development and Use of Drones in the Romanian Armed Forces: Current Trends and Operational Perspectives

Authors

  • Adrian HUȚAN “Nicolae Bălcescu” Land Forces Academy, Sibiu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53477/2284-9378-25-48

Keywords:

Air-to-Ground Coordination, Drone Integration, F-16 Operations, Romania, UAV Strategy.

Abstract

This paper explores the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the Romanian Armed Forces, particularly focusing on the Bayraktar TB2 system. It evaluates the strategic and tactical impact of drones in modern warfare, especially in coordination with F-16 multirole fighter operations. Through the use of real-time intelligence, surveillance, and laser-guided systems, drones enhance operational capabilities such as target designation and precision strikes. The study references conflict examples like Nagorno-Karabakh and Ukraine to support operational perspectives. The conclusion emphasizes the necessity of a national UAV strategy for Romania aligned with NATO objectives.

Author Biography

Adrian HUȚAN, “Nicolae Bălcescu” Land Forces Academy, Sibiu

Claudiu-Adrian  (Adi) Huțan joined the “Nicolae Bălcescu” Land Forces Academy (LFA) Sibiu, România in 2016, where he was enlisted as a paratrooper. He got his Bachelor’s studies in military sciences in 2019. Prior to joining LFA, Adi was a military high-school student of the National Military College “Ştefan cel Mare” (NMC) in Câmpulung Moldovenesc, Suceava, which he joined in 2012. It’s safe to say he had the system strongly embedded in his heart ever since he was a kid. 

Since October, 2019, when he started working for the Army, Adi has earned his military paratrooper wings, was involved in numerous International Military Exercises, has gone, both through small-unit leadership as well as working in intelligence, in an office. He also takes pride in his near-fluent English proficiency and is known for his motto: “jumping from a perfectly good airplane because jumping from cars is too dangerous”.

Adi holds a B.S. in military sciences (Leadership) from the Land Forces Academy, earned by the paper named “The power of personal example in the exercise of military leadership”; a M.A. currently in progress due to high work volume throughout the years since enlisted, in Intelligence in organizations also from the Land Forces Academy. Rest assured, the other stuff you’re not reading in here are totally badass but classified.

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Published

2025-10-07

How to Cite

HUȚAN, A. . (2025). The Development and Use of Drones in the Romanian Armed Forces: Current Trends and Operational Perspectives. BULLETIN OF "CAROL I" NATIONAL DEFENCE UNIVERSITY, 14(3), 278–287. https://doi.org/10.53477/2284-9378-25-48

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 3 (2025)

Section

Articles

License

The published articles are subject to copyright law. All rights are reserved to the “Carol I” National Defense University, regardless of whether all or part of the material are considered, especially the rights to translation, reprinting, re-use of illustrations, quotations, broadcasting through the media, reproduction on microfilms or any other way and storage in data banks. Any replicas without the associated fees are authorized provided the source is acknowledged.