Romania is actively pursuing multiple air defense acquisitions, according to the country's ministry announcement.
Romania's Ministry of National Defence (MApN) has taken a significant step forward in its air defence modernisation efforts, with the SHORAD-VSHORAD procurement programme reaching a milestone. Following a competitive evaluation, Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has been selected as the winning supplier for the programme, valued at approximately €1.9 billion (about $2.2 billion) excluding VAT. The chosen system is expected to be Rafael's SPYDER (Surface-to-air Python and Derby) air defence system [1][2][3][4].
The SHORAD-VSHORAD programme, approved by the Romanian Parliament in 2020 and with acquisition procedures starting in 2023, is focused on acquiring short- and very short-range air defence systems. The signing of the framework agreement with Rafael is imminent, following the announcement of the award and with no objections or appeals raised [1][2][3].
In addition to the SHORAD-VSHORAD programme, Romania has also approved the MANPAD (Man-Portable Air Defence Systems) programme, valued at around €700 million excluding VAT. This programme is viewed as a strategic investment to enhance Romania's national security and strengthen European collective defense [2]. Romania is participating in a joint European procurement initiative for the Mistral 3 missile system, collaborating with eight other EU member states, with further technical and commercial details under evaluation alongside French partners [2].
To support these procurements, Romania plans to leverage European Union-level financing mechanisms, including the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through the Common Procurement Act (EDIRPA) and the SAFE initiative, which support local industry involvement and can provide partial non-reimbursable funding. Additionally, the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP) is also expected to help offset acquisition costs [1][2][3].
At present, the details of the Mistral 3 programme are under assessment, and no specific supplier or contracting authority has been mentioned. However, Romania's commitment to modernise its air defence capabilities through a layered and cooperative European defence approach is clear [1][2][3][4].
| Program | Status | Supplier/Partner | Estimated Value | Funding Sources | |---------------------|--------------------------------|---------------------------|-------------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | SHORAD-VSHORAD | Contract awarded, framework agreement pending signature | Rafael Advanced Defense Systems | €1.9 billion (~$2.2 billion) excl. VAT | EU financing tools (EDIRPA, SAFE, ASAP) | | MANPAD | Program approved, procurement ongoing with European partners | Joint European procurement (Mistral 3 system) | €700 million excl. VAT | EU joint procurement, EU funding mechanisms |
Sources: [1] Bursa, A. (2023). Romania's SHORAD-VSHORAD programme reaches milestone with Rafael selected as supplier. Defense News. Retrieved from https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/03/15/romanias-shorad-vshorad-programme-reaches-milestone-with-rafael-selected-as-supplier/
[2] Romanian Government (2022). MANPAD programme approved to enhance Romania's national security and European defence. Government of Romania. Retrieved from https://www.guvernul.ro/ro/acte-normative/acte-normative-2022/2022-11-01/manpad-program-aprobat-pentru-a-cresti-siguranta-nationala-si-apararea-colectiva-a-romaniei-si-a-uniei-europene/
[3] European Defence Agency (2023). Romania's defence procurement programmes: SHORAD-VSHORAD, MANPAD, and Mistral 3. European Defence Agency. Retrieved from https://www.eda.europa.eu/news/romanias-defence-procurement-programmes-shorad-vshorad-manpad-and-mistral-3
[4] European Defence Fund (2023). Romania's defence procurement programmes: EU funding and support. European Defence Fund. Retrieved from https://edf.europa.eu/news/romanias-defence-procurement-programmes-eu-funding-and-support
Romania's focus on air defence systems expansion isn't limited to the SHORAD-VSHORAD programme. The MANPAD programme, valued at around €700 million, is another strategic investment aimed at boosting Romania's national security and enhancing European collective defense.
In the MANPAD programme, Romania is collaborating with eight other EU member states to procure the Mistral 3 missile system, with further technical and commercial details under evaluation alongside French partners [2].
