Harnessing Joint Allied Cyber Capabilities: 16th Air Force and Romanian Cyber Command share insights during inaugural bilateral engagement

  • Published
  • By Manuel Garcia
JBSA-LACKLAND, Texas --  Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) hosted the Romanian Cyber Command for their first bilateral engagement at its headquarters July 28-29.

United States and Romania—NATO allies both facing critical cyber threats—shared strategies on security operations center processes, cyber protection teams, and cyber operations planning.

“If we are to deter our adversaries in cyberspace, we must invest in the relationships with our partners and allies,” said Brig. Gen. Heather Blackwell, 16th Air Force’s Joint Force Headquarters Deputy Commander for Cyber. “The Romanian Cyber Command is an impressive organization, and we are honored to share our lessons learned.”

Bilateral engagements with Nato allies with shared interests ensure the capabilities are effectively aligned with U.S. national defense strategies and operational requirements.

Blackwell further explained that “the elements of an effective denial-based deterrence require all parties to harden their networks to make it cost prohibitive for the adversary. Imposing costs on the adversary with a strong cyber defense has a measurable result in thwarting cyberattacks.”

During the two-day, cooperative event they discussed a range of cyber-related topics, including security measures, cyber protection, threat intelligence, and mission overviews.

Romanian delegates showcased strategies focused on establishing standards, guidelines, and frameworks for cyber operations and security within a military context.

“Creating a partnership of trust is a way we can fight effectively in this new environment,” said Romanian Cyber Command Brig. Gen. Marian-Razvan Tudose.
 The Romanian general emphasized that success in cyberspace requires teamwork and mutual support to maintain security.

Blackwell agrees.

“Collaborating with allied partner nations is essential for achieving global success against adversaries. The opportunity that most excites me is sharing training standards for our cyber defenders,” stated Blackwell. “Recruiting talent, training our defenders and retaining that asset were common areas of interest between both our organizations and I look forward to continuing the discussions.“

The Romanian delegates closed out their time here with a tour of the 616th Operation Center—16th’s global operational arm whose reach extends across 178 units around the world.

Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber), headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, focuses on cyber and modern-age intel capabilities.

By integrating cyber and intel capabilities at operational and tactical levels, 16th Air Force leverages information to tackle the unique challenges of the 21st century.