Romania Set to Purchase Israeli Air Defense Systems for $2.3 Billion

Latest Developments

Romania Pens Deal With Israel Defense Manufacturer: Romania’s Ministry of National Defense announced on July 21 that the country had signed a framework agreement to purchase Israeli-produced Short Range Air Defense and Very Short Range Air Defense (SHORAD-VSHORAD) Integrated Weapon Systems in a deal worth approximately $2.3 billion. The purchase of the systems “aims to equip the [Romanian] military with advanced weapon systems designed to provide protection against aerial threats, including drones and cruise missiles,” according to the announcement. The framework outlines three subsequent contracts that will be signed by Romania’s Defense Ministry and Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems for a total of six systems to be delivered over a seven-year period. The first two systems are expected to be delivered within three years of signing the first contract.
Romanian Defense Minister’s Comments: Confirmation that Bucharest would be purchasing Israeli-produced air defense systems came after Romanian Minister of National Defense Ionut Mosteanu lauded the Israeli Iron Dome system’s performance against Iran in June’s conflict. “When we see pictures of Tel Aviv when the Iranians attack and see the Iron Dome in action — this is a short-range defense system, and it protects Tel Aviv,” he said, adding that “these are defensive missile batteries that [Romania doesn’t] have and we need them.” The deal also comes as European NATO nations are seeking to boost their air and missile defense capability and capacity. This need is felt particularly acutely in Romania, where Russian drones regularly attack Ukrainian towns across the border and have even left fragments on Romanian territory on several occasions.
Defense Ministry Touts Record Arms Sales: Israel recorded record arms sales in 2024 for the fourth consecutive year, logging nearly $14.8 billion, more than double the total value of arms exports in 2019. European nations represented the largest purchasers of Israeli defense products, buying 54 percent of all exports last year.

FDD Expert Response

“Nothing generates arms sales requests faster than demonstrated success on the battlefield. Arms exports help the United States and Israel sustain increased production capacity when their respective military requirements are met so that capacity (production and assembly lines, supply networks, technological know-how, and trained personnel) is there when domestic demand returns. Arms exports can also facilitate more effective combined operations, spur research and development, and help ensure Americans and our allies are better equipped than our adversaries — ultimately saving money, time, and lives.” — Bradley Bowman, Senior Director of FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power

“Israeli air defense systems have proven themselves over the last decade as Israel has faced increasing short- and long-range adversarial threats. European countries are now acquiring these systems, with Romania being the latest to tap an Israeli company for air defenses. Jerusalem is now recognized as among the most proven air defense producers and, naturally, countries such as Romania will want this technology in a world of evolving battlefields.” — Seth J. Frantzman, Adjunct Fellow