Romania to upgrade its armed forces over next decade

Romania's top defense body has agreed to upgrade the country's armed forces and equipment in the next decade.

President Klaus Iohannis said from 2019 to 2028, Romania will acquire ground-to-air missiles, multirole combat aircraft, armored transporters and medical evacuation helicopters.

The Supreme Defense Council on Tuesday also confirmed NATO-member Romania would spend 2 percent of gross domestic product on defense this year, up from 1.81 percent.

NATO members agreed in 2014 to spend 2 percent of their GDP on defense within a decade.

Iohannis said that next year about 1,900 troops would take part in various foreign missions and operations, 130 more than the current year.

Romania has 690 troops in the NATO-led Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan that provides training, advice and assistance to local security forces.