Israel’s Rafael to Supply Advanced Military Systems in $2.2B Romania Deal

In a monumental development for Israel’s defense industry, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has finalized a $2.2 billion deal to supply Romania with a state-of-the-art missile defense system marking the second-largest defense sale in Israeli history.

Romania’s Ministry of Defense announced the agreement on Monday, confirming it had selected Rafael’s Very Short and Short Range Air Defense (V/SHORAD) solution after a competitive tender process. While the ministry did not disclose the specific system, Israeli experts widely identify it as the SPYDER system one of Rafael’s most advanced and combat-proven technologies.

The SPYDER system, a truck-mounted defense platform, uses Python-5 missiles with both radar and active infrared homing capabilities. Designed to intercept a wide array of aerial threats including drones, helicopters, and fighter jets, SPYDER is already in service in countries like the Czech Republic and Morocco.

This major defense acquisition is part of Romania’s ongoing overhaul of its air defense infrastructure, partially funded by the European Union. It follows Romania’s earlier May announcement of plans to purchase 41 Iron Dome launchers from Rafael underscoring a growing strategic partnership between Jerusalem and Bucharest.

“This deal highlights Rafael’s global expertise and the proven performance of our air defense technologies,” said Brigadier General (Res.) Pini Yungman, Rafael’s Executive Vice President and Head of Air Defense. “It reflects the global confidence in Israeli systems to protect against evolving, complex threats.”

Rafael’s latest achievement trails only the $3.5 billion Arrow 3 missile defense system deal between Israel Aerospace Industries and Germany in 2023, and surpasses the 2017 Barak 8 system sale to India, previously Israel’s second-largest defense deal.

The agreement not only strengthens Israel’s role as a premier defense exporter but also signals its rising influence within NATO-aligned nations. For Israel, it's more than just a sale it's a diplomatic and technological milestone that elevates national prestige and supports long-term security alliances across Europe.

This historic contract reaffirms the enduring strength of Israeli innovation and its unmatched ability to convert battlefield-tested solutions into global standards.

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