Tel Aviv: Elbit Systems is trying to persuade the Romanian Ministry of Defence (MoD) not to cancel the $180 million deal for the Hermes-450 UAV.
According to Romanian media, Romania is considering cancellation due to repeated delays. Sources added that no final decision has been made yet.
Romania signed a $180 million contract in 2022-2023 for up to seven Watchkeeper X tactical UAV systems—derived from Elbit’s Hermes 450 platform—produced by Elbit’s UK subsidiary with Thales. The contract includes options for a greater number of the UAV.
Deliveries were expected by summer 2025, including 21 UAVs for ISR missions meeting NATO standards. An initial $180 million order for three systems was placed in June 2023, with local production planned in Romania.
In early April, Romanian Defence Minister Radu Miruta stated that the ministry is evaluating legal termination due to three delays, €60 million in fines paid by Elbit, and fears the technology could become obsolete amid regional conflicts. Elbit claims final acceptance tests are scheduled for late April 2026, suggesting delivery may still proceed.
Romania recently held talks with Ukrainian drone makers for joint production, shortlisting options that meet army needs, which could influence the Elbit decision if delays persist.
A senior defence source said that even though Elbit is a major supplier of defence system to Romania, the Romanian Ministry of Defence refused to accept an Israeli request for a ten-month delay because of the repeated fighting Israel is involved in. “The defence minister was ready for only a four-month delay,” the source added.
Elbit Systems reacted and said that the development and production of its UAV for Romania is proceeding according to plan, and the project is in advanced stages toward delivery to the customer.
”Despite the challenges arising from the exceptional security situation in Israel, which has been recognised as a force majeure event by the Company’s customers worldwide, the project has been given high priority.”
According to the Israeli company’s spokesperson, the systems are prepared to undergo final acceptance tests in Romania toward the end of April, subject to approval by the Romanian regulatory authorities.
” Production, including the prototype, is being carried out in Romania as part of the localisation programme with Aerostar and Eurobodies, reflecting Elbit Systems’ long-term strategic investment in the country.”
According to the Israeli company, it values the fruitful cooperation with its Romanian partners in previous programmes and looks forward to similar collaboration on this project, supporting its successful completion.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
