History
Romania is a nation located in southeastern Europe with a rich military past. Modern Romania came together in the late nineteenth century. In 1916, the country entered World War I on the side of the Allied forces, fighting against Germany and Austria-Hungary. Even though the Romanian army faced harsh defeats early in the conflict, the Allies eventually won the war. As a result of peace treaties signed in 1918, Romania gained new territories and greatly increased in size.
During the 1930s, Romania tried to stay safe from powerful neighbors like the Soviet Union. When World War II began, Romania decided to join the Axis alliance alongside Nazi Germany in 1940. Romanian soldiers fought heavily against Soviet troops on the Eastern Front. However, as the Axis armies began to lose, Romania experienced a government change in August 1944. The nation switched sides and joined the Allies, sending its soldiers to fight against German forces for the rest of the war.
After World War II ended, the Soviet Union helped set up a communist government in Romania. During the Cold War, Romania became a member of the Warsaw Pact, a military alliance led by the Soviets. The country did not send combat troops to fight in Asian conflicts like the Korean War or the Vietnam War, but it did send medical help and economic aid to other communist nations. Communist rule in Romania finally ended during a revolution in 1989, and the country later joined the NATO alliance to secure its modern defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Notable Operations
Conflicts
Romania Forces & Equipment
Browse the armed forces, weapons, and vehicles fielded by Romania.

6th Special Operations Brigade
This elite Romanian unit specializes in high-stakes missions like rescue, sabotage, and gathering secret information behind enemy lines.

Romanian 3rd Army
The Romanian 3rd Army was a main part of the Romanian ground forces that fought alongside Germany during World War II.

Romanian 4th Army
The Romanian 4th Army was a large unit that took part in major fights during World War II, mostly in the east.

Romanian Air Force
The Romanian Air Force provided support to the German military during the second world war. They flew missions primarily on the Eastern front in Europe.
Combat Medals & Awards

Commemorative Cross of the 1916–1918 War
A campaign medal given to Romanian troops who fought for the nation in World War I.

Crusade Against Communism Medal
A World War II campaign medal given to Romanian and allied troops fighting on the Eastern Front.

Emblem of Honor of the Romanian Armed Forces
A modern military decoration honoring troops and units for exceptional service during NATO and international operations.

Military Virtue Medal
This valor decoration honors non-commissioned officers and enlisted soldiers for bravery during combat operations.

Order of Aeronautical Virtue
An aviation-specific decoration awarded to military pilots and crew members for air combat heroism.

Order of Faithful Service
A distinguished service decoration given to soldiers and commanders who show long-lasting devotion to Romania.

Order of Michael the Brave
This is Romania's highest military decoration awarded to officers for extraordinary heroism on the battlefield.

Order of Tudor Vladimirescu
A communist-era decoration awarded to officers for political loyalty and military defense achievements.

Order of the Crown of Romania
A distinguished service order created to celebrate Romanian statehood and reward important military achievements.

Order of the Star of Romania
Romania's premier national order awarded with crossed swords to troops for distinguished military achievements.
Related Stories

What Was Operation Tidal Wave in World War II?
Operation Tidal Wave was a daring but tragic WWII raid on Romanian oil refineries that cost the Allies dearly.

How Did Operation Uranus Shock the World in World War II?
Operation Uranus was the massive Soviet counterattack at Stalingrad in November 1942. The Red Army surrounded the German 6th Army in a surprise pincer movement.













