This Eastern European country, a NATO member, is seeking to modernize its armed forces—particularly its air defense capabilities—in response to dozens of airspace violations and drone crashes since the start of the war in neighboring Ukraine, reports thejakartapost.com.
Romania’s drive to modernize comes amid Europe’s push to rearm following Russia’s invasion and doubts about the United States’ commitment to the continent’s security under President Donald Trump. According to a press release from the Ministry of Defense, the new procurement includes 12 Airbus multi-purpose helicopters for 757 million euros and 12 Thales air surveillance radars worth 247 million euros.
The first radar, “which we urgently need to combat low-altitude drones,” is scheduled to be delivered within 11 months, said Defense Minister Radu Miruță.
This deal is part of the European Union’s SAFE (Security Action for Europe) initiative, which helps EU members modernize their armed forces through loans at lower interest rates.
The helicopters and radar stations are to be delivered by 2030. The deal with Airbus includes 12 H225M Caracal helicopters, while Thales is to supply 12 Ground Master 200 MM/A airborne surveillance radar systems.
A source in the defense ministry told AFP that they expect these two contracts to create hundreds of jobs in Romania.
In total, Romania plans to purchase €2.2 billion worth of counter-drone systems under the SAFE program, Miruță said.
