The new site is the company’s seventh production facility in Romania. Elbit said the plant was developed under the Watchkeeper XR programme and will support the production, integration, testing and maintenance of advanced drone platforms.
Representatives from the Romanian government and armed forces attended the opening ceremony alongside senior executives from Elbit. The company said the facility is intended to strengthen local industrial cooperation and support broader European defence capabilities.
Yoram Shmueli said the Watchkeeper XR had completed its first flight in Romanian airspace earlier the same day.
“The facility we inaugurate today is the seventh production site Elbit has established in Romania, a clear demonstration of our long-term commitment and confidence in the local ecosystem,” Shmueli said.
Referring to a live unmanned aircraft demonstration held during the event, he added: “what we deliver is not just a platform, but capability: systems that are reliable, mission-ready, and prepared to operate where and when they are needed.”
Elbit said the Chitila facility will support production of one of the most advanced unmanned systems in its category. The company said the platform incorporates advanced technologies, operational experience and lessons learned from recent conflicts.
The systems manufactured in Romania are expected to provide the Romanian Armed Forces with operationally proven capabilities while supporting national self-sufficiency. Elbit said the programme would also strengthen long-term sustainability for Romania’s defence sector.
The company has operated in Romania for more than three decades. It currently employs more than 1,000 people across its Romanian facilities.
Elbit said its investments extend beyond defence manufacturing and include technology transfer, production capabilities and long-term lifecycle support. The company described the expansion as part of its broader commitment to developing domestic industrial capabilities in Romania.
