The Romanian Ministry of Defense announced this week a landmark acquisition: Rafael Advanced Systems will provide Romania with short-range air defense solutions valued at more than $2 billion. This agreement ranks as the second-largest defense contract in Israel’s history, following the $3.5 billion sale of Arrow-3 missiles to Germany.
The core of the deal focuses on delivering multiple batteries of the Spyder air defense system in different configurations. These systems are equipped to integrate short-range interceptor missiles, enhancing Romania’s ability to counter aerial threats. The acquisition was the result of a competitive tender in which Israel prevailed over several European contenders.
Romanian officials highlighted that the purchase aims to defend against threats similar to those faced by neighboring Ukraine, including drones, cruise missiles, and attack helicopters. The Spyder system, known for its mobility, is mounted on off-road trucks and combines Python-4 infrared homing missiles with radar-guided Derby missiles. It is optimized to engage low-altitude targets at ranges of several tens of kilometers.
According to Rafael, six Spyder systems will be delivered over a seven-year period, with the first two very-short-range units scheduled to be operational within three years after the initial contract signing. Israel Aerospace Industries, the provider of the Elta MMR radar integrated into the Spyder, is expected to benefit from the deal with a share of around $100 million. This transaction raises Rafael’s total Spyder sales worldwide to approximately $5 billion.
