Romania Signs Agreement to Purchase Israeli Air Defense Systems

Romania has signed a framework agreement with the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to purchase short-range and near-range air defense systems.

The country’s Ministry of Defense announced this.

The purchase is estimated at approximately EUR 2.038 billion. The framework agreement provides for the signing of three contracts.

They will include six integrated short-range and short-range air defense systems (SHORAD/VSHORAD).

Romania will also receive training equipment for its military, as well as logistical support and missiles for the systems.

The Ministry did not disclose the name of the system to be purchased, only that the framework agreement will be valid for seven years. The first two short-range systems are to be delivered within three years of the signing of the first contract.

The procurement program for new air defense systems aims to equip the Romanian military with advanced weapons systems designed to protect against air threats, including drones and cruise missiles.

Defense Romania previously reported that the Israeli company Rafael had won a tender to supply the Romanian Army with short-range and near-range air defense systems.

According to their information, this is the SPYDER system, which won after the European companies MBDA and Diehl were excluded from the tender.

Romanian Defense Minister Ionuţ Mosteanu said that the relevant contract with Rafael could be signed this fall.

In general, under the Romanian program “SHORAD – VSHORAD Integrated Weapons System”, it is planned to purchase 16 short-range and near-range systems for the Air Force.

In addition, 9 short-range and 16 near-range systems are to be delivered to the Romanian Army. The total cost of the program is estimated at EUR 4.2 billion.