The total agreement is valued at approximately €2.04 billion excluding VAT and will be executed over seven years, with the first two VSHORAD systems due within three years of the initial contract signing. The Romanian Defence Ministry emphasises that SHORAD‑VSHORAD systems provide an “optimal combination of mobility, efficiency and integration into modern defensive networks” and are NATO‑compatible.
The move forms part of Romania’s response to heightened regional security concerns since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Romania, a NATO and EU member sharing a 650 km border with Ukraine, has experienced Russian drone fragments falling on its territory. Under pressure from the EU, NATO allies, and former US President Donald Trump, Romania has boosted defence spending in recent years.
Unofficial sources suggest that the Rafael-offered SPYDER system will be central to the V/SHORAD programme, featuring Python‑5 and Derby interceptor missiles with ranges of 40 km and 80 km, respectively. The system is expected to replace ageing Hawk launchers and complement existing long-range Patriot and Aegis assets at Deveselu, bolstering Romania’s multi-layered defence architecture.
In addition, earlier this month, the Romanian Defence Minister confirmed that Romania has decided to purchase the combat-proven Iron Dome ground-based air defence system manufactured by Rafael.
Romanian officials anticipate that European Union funding mechanisms—such as the Act in Support of Ammunition Production and the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act—will support the acquisition and foster technological cooperation with domestic industry.
The Rafael framework deal is the largest air‑defence purchase in Romania’s history and aims to significantly enhance the country’s defence posture against emerging aerial threats while reinforcing NATO‑level interoperability.
