This Eastern European NATO member seeks to modernize its military, especially air defense, after dozens of airspace violations and drone crash incidents were recorded since the start of the full-scale war in neighboring Ukraine.
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Romania’s modernization efforts are aimed at strengthening Europe’s defense following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and doubts about the United States’ commitment to the continent’s security when Donald Trump became US president.
The Defense Ministry press release states that it plans to purchase 12 multi-role helicopters from Airbus for 757 million euros and 12 Thales airspace surveillance radars worth 247 million euros.
The first radar, “which we really need to fight low-flying drones,” will be delivered within 11 months, Defense Minister Radu Miruta said at a press conference on Friday.
This deal was made under the European Union’s SAFE (Security Action for Europe) lending initiative, which helps EU members arm themselves by providing loans at lower interest rates.
The helicopters and radars are to be delivered by 2030.
Under the contract with Airbus, 12 H225M Caracal helicopters will be purchased, and Thales will deliver 12 Ground Master 200 MM/A airspace surveillance radars.
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A defense source told AFP news agency that these two contracts are expected to create hundreds of jobs in Romania.
In total, Romania plans to purchase anti-drone systems worth 2.2 billion euros through the SAFE program, said R. Miruta.
“What defends Romania in the Dobruja region is intended not only for Romania but also for NATO airspace,” he added, referring to the region near the Black Sea.
During the most serious drone incident in the country, in May, a drone crashed into an apartment building, injuring two people, which sparked condemnation from NATO allies.
Romania determined that the drone was Russian, while Moscow stated there is no evidence for that.
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