Once concluded, this will become Israel’s second-largest defence export, following the $3.5 billion sale of the Arrow 3 air defence system to Germany in 2023. It will surpass the 2017 deal with India for the Barak 8 system, previously valued at $1.6 billion.
The system offered by Rafael is understood to be the Spyder, which provides short and ultra-short-range air defence against various aerial threats. It uses Rafael’s Python and Derby interceptors and is already in service in countries including the Czech Republic and Morocco.
Romania’s air defence procurement began in 2023, following parliamentary approval in 2020, and this acquisition completes its multi-layered air defence strategy. This includes shoulder-launched missile systems and platforms for countering long-range threats.
The Romanian government plans to co-finance the deal using European Union instruments such as the Ammunition Production Support Act (ASAP) and the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act (EDIRPA). These require Rafael to subcontract portions of the production to companies in Europe, particularly in Romania.
Rafael has relevant experience in this area, having previously integrated European industry through the Eurospike joint venture, which manufactures the Spike anti-tank missile series. Eurospike is equally owned by Rafael and two European firms.
Rafael’s selection is considered a significant win, as it prevailed over major European defence players. Its competitors included France’s MBDA with the Mistral 3 and Germany’s Diehl with the IRIS system, both of which were ultimately outpaced by Rafael.
The Korean company LIG Nex1 was also eliminated from the process in 2023 due to technical documentation issues. Final doubts over the Israeli bid were resolved shortly before the award was announced, ending uncertainty about the outcome.
A key feature that likely influenced Romania’s choice is the Spyder’s All-in-ONE configuration, which includes a radar, electro-optical payload, command and control unit, and interceptors all mounted on a single vehicle. This allows rapid deployment, minimal personnel requirements, and effective point or mobile defence.
In a demonstration held in Israel in January 2024, the Spyder system successfully intercepted a UAV under complex conditions. The direct hit during this scenario highlighted the system’s capabilities in countering both current and future aerial threats.
