An “all-in-one” configuration of Rafael’s Spyder system. Romania is procuring a different configuration in a $2.3B deal. (Rafael)
JERSUALEM — Romania will procure a configuration of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Spyder air defense system, a spokesperson for the company confirmed to Breaking Defense today.
On Monday, the Romanian Ministry of National Defense’s General Directorate for Armaments announced that a deal between local firm CN Romtehnica SA and Rafael was made on July 18.
However, it was not clear until today which of Rafael’s systems was selected — which is now confirmed as the Spyder. The Czech Republic, a fellow NATO member, also chose Spyder as an air defense system back in 2020.
The ministry noted that the agreement will be structured as three contracts that will cover six integrated air defense systems. The three deals will cover seven years of procurement, with the first two systems arriving within three years of the signing of the first contract. It was not clear when the signing will take place of the first of the deals, although Rafael indicated that there may be a formal event in the near future.
The ministry said that the “acquisition program aims to equip the army with advanced weapon systems designed to protect against air threats, including drones and cruise missiles.” It is also compatible with NATO requirements, the statement added.
The deal will also cover “a training and education system, a simulation system for the verification and evaluation of VSHORAD operators, six SHORAD systems and six VSHORAD systems, including ammunition, training and logistical support,” the ministry said. The total amount of the deal will be worth more than $2.3 billion.
Romania’s Minister of National Defense Ionut Moșteanu had mentioned the decision on July 10. Defense Romania, a Romania publication, noted at the time that “he drew a parallel with one of the most well-known and effective air defense systems in the world, used by Israel. It is Iron Dome, where Rafael is part of this layered air defense system of Israel.”
The deal was rumored to be in the works for more than a month. For instance, Israel’s Globes noted on July 2 that Romania would procure Spyder and that the system is “operational in 10 countries.” (Globes ascribed this claim to foreign reports, a common practice in Israeli media.)
The Globes report noted that “the Romanians are procuring Spyder for short and ultra-short range with the advanced Python 5 missiles, which have a range of about 20 kilometers.”
Israeli air defense systems have been increasingly in the spotlight in Europe after Germany acquired Israel’s Arrow air defense system, produced by Israel Aerospace Industries, and Finland signed a deal to procure David’s Sling, made by Rafael. Both systems were developed with US support.
Rafael tested a new “all-in-one” configuration of the Spyder system in Israel in January 2024 during the recent war that Israel has been fighting on multiple fronts; however, that all-in-one configuration is not the one being procured by Romania.
Romania has been acquiring a number of new defense systems in the wake of the Ukraine war which began in 2022. Romania shares a long border with Ukraine. Some of these contracts have gone to Israeli companies. For instance, in March 2023 Romania acquired electro-optical and electronic warfare capabilities from Elbit Systems. Rafael also demonstrated its BNET tactical communications system in Romania in July 2023.
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Author: Seth J. Frantzman
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