Israel's Elbit to begin drone deliveries to Romania this month despite earlier cancellation reports

Following reports that Romania’s Ministry of Defense was considering terminating a contract with Israeli defense company Elbit Systems to supply military drones, the company now says it will begin deliveries this month, Reuters reported on Monday. 

Romania had signed the deal with Elbit in 2022, with deliveries set to begin in 2025, however, due to the Oct. 7, 2023, war in Gaza – and later the 12-day Iran war – the company had requested three postponements. The Romanian government had accepted the first two postponements, with Elbit citing force majeure, but reportedly considered canceling the deal after Elbit requested a third delay of an additional six months. 

On Thursday, Romanian Defense Minister Radu Miruță told local reporters, "I am analyzing whether we want to terminate this contract.” 

“There are some devices that have technical characteristics, which, if they are received a few years later, are no longer relevant,” Miruță explained. 

The British military, which also develops and operates Watchkeeper drones, plans to decommission the fleet in 2027. The decision follows technical advances that have rendered the drones outdated, as well as underwhelming performance in combat operations in Afghanistan and several crashes.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, Romania – a NATO member sharing a 650‑km (400‑mile) land border with Ukraine – is seeking to strengthen its defenses, particularly after several Russian drones entered its airspace during the conflict.

However, following Elbit’s delays and the success of Ukraine’s domestic drone industry, Romania has shifted its focus toward Ukraine. In March, the presidents of Ukraine and Romania signed a statement of intent to manufacture Ukrainian defense systems in Romania, including Ukrainian-designed drones.

In his comments to reporters last week, Miruță said the Ministry of Defense would shortlist Ukrainian drone manufacturers whose products meet Romania's military standards to begin discussions on joint manufacturing. 

On Monday, apparently concerned about losing the $428.75 million contract, Elbit said it would begin delivery of the Watchkeeper X drones to Romania later this month. 

“Despite the challenges arising from the exceptional security situation in Israel, which has been recognized as a force majeure event by the company's customers worldwide, the project has been given high priority,” the company told Reuters, responding to a query about the deal.

“The systems are ready to undergo final acceptance tests in Romania toward the end of April, subject to approval by the Romanian regulatory authorities.” 

Elbit said the drones are being manufactured in Romania.