Romania will acquire Spyder air defense systems from Rafael, the company said Sunday, marking the initial phase of a strategic framework between the Israeli firm and Bucharest that’s estimated to be worth more than €2 billion ($2.3 billion).
The deal — which includes the shipment of launchers, interceptors, radar systems, training arrays and logistical support — will position the system as a “European standard,” Rafael said in a statement.
“Rafael is honored to sign the largest deal in the company’s history and to provide another NATO nation with an advanced air defense system,” said Yoav Tourgeman, Rafael’s CEO. “Romania’s selection of the SPYDER system reflects the growing confidence of European nations in Rafael’s operationally proven air defense systems.”
Rafael said Spyder was selected by Romania to protect the country against short- to medium-range aerial threats, “as part of a wide-ranging strategic agreement with an estimated value of over two billion euros.”
In a statement, Romanian authorities said the strategic agreement was signed Wednesday through CN Romtehnica SA, which is a company under the Romanian Ministry of National Defense. The agreement envisions “extensive industrial cooperation and local production in Romania,” Rafael noted.
“Romania’s acquisition of Rafael’s SPYDER system reinforces its commitment to procuring advanced air defense solutions in line with NATO standards, while strengthening the industrial and strategic partnership between the two nations,” the Israeli firm added. “This agreement reflects not only technological alignment but also a deepening of the defense cooperation between the two countries.”
Bucharest intends to acquire six integrated Spyder systems, which will be able to protect against drones, cruise missiles and other aerial threats. Spyder is a mobile system that uses Rafael’s Python and Derby missiles.
“The first two [Spyder] systems will be delivered within three years from the signing of the first subsequent contract, and operator training courses for these systems will be conducted before the start of acceptance activities,” the Romanian Ministry of National Defense said.
Romania has taken a number of steps to upgrade its defenses amid the war in Ukraine just across its border, including acquiring other Israeli systems.
Elbit Systems said it was establishing an unmanned systems facility in Romania in April. Rafael demonstrated its BNET communication system in Romania in 2023. And Elbit also announced four contracts in the country in 2023 to supply electronic warfare suites and optics for helicopters. Rafael noted in its Sunday statement that Romania has also acquired its Spike anti-tank missiles systems in the past.
The Romanian acquisition is also part of a rush to acquire more layered air defenses across Europe. Germany acquired Israel’s Arrow system, made by IAI, in recent years. Finland also signed a deal to acquire Rafael’s David’s Sling, a medium-range air defense system in 2023. The Czech Republic acquired Spyder back in 2021, and the Romania announcement came as Greek media reported that Athens was moving closer to acquiring Spyder and other air defenses in a multi-billion dollar deal.
