Romania has awarded Thales a contract worth approximately 326.5 million Romanian lei ($67.8 million) for four mobile radar systems to support aircraft landing operations and enable its air force to operate from alternative locations. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028 and will take place in phases, with the systems intended for deployment at four Romanian Air Force sites. The package includes Thales’ STAR NG primary surveillance radar, RSM NG identification system, and Precision Approach Radar systems. These technologies will allow Romanian air traffic controllers to track aircraft and guide them during approach and landing procedures, including in poor weather conditions and at locations where fixed airbase infrastructure is unavailable or inadequate. The systems will also provide real-time information to Romanian and NATO command-and-control networks. The procurement forms part of Romania’s wider effort to strengthen its ability to detect and respond to aerial threats, particularly along NATO’s eastern flank. In July, Thales received an order for 12 GM200 Multi-Mission All-in-One radars under a government-to-government agreement between Romania and France, funded through the European Union’s SAFE programme. The company will also establish a Radar Competence Centre in Romania, with initial radar deliveries expected in 2027. In June, Bucharest signed the initial phase of a contract worth more than €2 billion ($2.3 billion) for Rafael’s SPYDER air defense systems. The agreement includes launchers, interceptors, radars, training equipment, and logistical support. Romania has also awarded Rheinmetall contracts for 24 Skyranger 35 mobile air defense systems and seven Skynex systems designed to protect ground forces, fixed installations, and critical infrastructure.
