Tel Aviv: Israeli company Elbit Systems was awarded a framework contract with a maximum value of approximately $ 410 million to supply up to seven ‘Watchkeeper X’ tactical unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for the Romanian Ministry of National Defense, with a validity of five years. No specific purchase order under the contract was awarded yet.

The ‘Watchkeeper X’ UAS is the UK export variant of the British Army made by UAV Tactical Systems Limited (U-TacS), Elbit Systems’ UK subsidiary, and is a derivative of the Hermes UAS family. The ‘Watchkeeper X’ compatibility with  NATO standards enables essential interoperability with NATO and other allied forces.

Bezalel (Butzi) Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems, commented: “This contract demonstrates the sustained demand for Elbit Systems’ UAS. We look forward to further strengthening Elbit Systems’ relationship with the Romanian Government. As part of the contract execution, Elbit Systems plans to establish infrastructure and industrial cooperation with U-TacS, Aerostar and Elbit Systems’ subsidiaries in Romania to produce the UAS in Romania. We also appreciate the continued support and collaboration with the Israeli and UK governments and our business partners on the Watchkeeper program. “