Romania to Buy Israeli Air Defense Systems for $2.3 Billion

 

Romania has signed a major defense deal worth over 2 billion euros ($2.3 billion) with Israeli defense company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. This agreement is aimed at strengthening Romania's air defense capabilities as security concerns grow due to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Romania, a European Union and NATO member, shares a 650-kilometer border with Ukraine and has seen debris from Russian drone strikes fall on its territory multiple times since 2022.

The agreement focuses on the purchase of Shorad-Vshorad air defense systems. These are short- and very-short-range anti-aircraft systems designed to protect against aerial threats such as drones, aircraft, and missiles. Rafael, known for developing Israel’s Iron Dome system, will be supplying six integrated anti-aircraft units to Romania under this deal. The purchase is supported by the United States, which has been urging its European allies to boost defense spending amid rising tensions in the region.

The Romanian defense ministry said this is a framework agreement and will lead to the signing of three specific contracts. These contracts will include not only the systems themselves but also training, ammunition, and logistical support. The agreement is valid for seven years. Romania expects the first two systems to be delivered within three years of signing the first detailed contract.

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The $2.3 billion deal between Romania and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems reflects a broader European push to increase military preparedness since the start of the war in Ukraine. Romania has been particularly affected due to its long shared border with Ukraine. The country has found fragments of Russian drones on its land multiple times, as Moscow continues its attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure near the border.

The Shorad-Vshorad systems Romania is buying are meant to strengthen its low- and very-low-altitude air defenses. These systems will add a critical layer of protection against the kind of drone and missile threats that have frequently breached its airspace. This move is part of Romania’s larger effort to modernize its military and align more closely with NATO standards.

The deal will unfold in stages. After this initial framework agreement, three more contracts will be signed to finalize details of the six systems. Romania plans to receive the first two systems within three years, while the remaining systems will be delivered later. The training of Romanian personnel and support infrastructure will be included in the contract package.

This agreement also strengthens defense ties between Romania and Israel, a long-time partner in military technology. Rafael’s reputation, especially with the Iron Dome system, adds value to Romania’s defense posture. The move aligns with calls from the U.S. and NATO for European countries to take greater responsibility for their defense, especially those near conflict zones. With tensions in the region continuing, Romania’s new investment signals a clear intent to boost its air defense capabilities quickly and substantially.

See also: Russia Launches Overnight Strikes on Ukraine, One Killed in Kyiv