In a major step toward strengthening its national and NATO-aligned defense systems, Romania has selected Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to supply its new short-range air defense capability. The announcement came on July 1, 2025, following a rigorous evaluation process led by the Romanian Ministry of National Defence. The deal, valued at around €1.9 billion (approximately $2.2 billion before VAT), marks Romania’s most substantial air defense investment to date.
The contract, awarded through the state-owned defense procurement agency CN Romtehnica S.A., clears the path for a formal framework agreement to be signed in the coming weeks, with no objections raised after the winner was declared. The deal is a significant leap forward in Romania’s effort to modernize its multi-tiered air defense network, aiming to bolster protection against a wide range of low- to mid-altitude threats such as drones, cruise missiles, helicopters, and fast-moving aircraft.
This acquisition forms part of Romania’s broader V/SHORAD (Very Short and Short Range Air Defense) initiative and complements other ongoing defense projects, including the purchase of man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) and long-range missile platforms. First approved by Parliament in 2020, the project officially kicked off in 2023, with Romanian officials stressing its alignment with NATO standards and its capacity for phased delivery and lifecycle support across the armed forces.
While technical specifications have yet to be disclosed, defense analysts expect Rafael’s SPYDER system to be the centerpiece of the deal. SPYDER (Surface-to-air Python and Derby) is a mobile, quick-response air defense solution capable of engaging a variety of airborne threats using Python-5 and Derby interceptors. Its integrated radar, command unit, and electro-optical sensors enable it to operate as an all-in-one platform, offering both short- and medium-range engagement options.
Already operational in countries like the Czech Republic and Morocco, the SPYDER system is known for its adaptability to diverse operational environments and its effectiveness against today’s rapidly evolving air threats. In Romania’s case, the system is expected to bridge critical gaps in the national air defense umbrella, working alongside strategic systems such as Patriot batteries.
Beyond enhancing Romania’s air defense capabilities, the agreement signals Israel’s expanding presence in the European defense market. By partnering with Rafael, Romania is also diversifying its defense supply chains—traditionally dominated by U.S. and European manufacturers.
To ease the financial burden, Romania plans to tap into EU-level defense funding, including the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP) and the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act (EDIRPA), both coordinated under the EU’s SAFE framework. These programs are also expected to facilitate local industrial participation in the project.
Once signed, the framework agreement will initiate a multi-phase delivery schedule, integrating the new systems across various operational sectors. As security tensions continue to rise across Eastern Europe, this landmark deal underscores Bucharest’s commitment to building a resilient and NATO-interoperable defense architecture—while further cementing Rafael’s status as a key player in European defense procurement.
