Romania’s Ministry of National Defense has finalized a landmark agreement with Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems for the acquisition of SPYDER short‑ and very‑short‑range air‑defense systems.
The deal is the largest contract in Rafael’s history and the second-largest defense deal in Israeli defense-industry history, following the sale of the Arrow 3 missile defense system to Germany for $3.5 billion.
The initial order is part of the first phase of a strategic framework valued at more than €2 billion and positions SPYDER as a central component of Romania’s SHORAD (Short Range Air Defense)-VSHORAD (Very Short Range Air Defense) modernization effort.
According to the Romanian Ministry of National Defense, the first subsequent contract covers one integrated SHORAD-VSHORAD system, three VSHORAD systems, one SHORAD system, and dedicated training and simulation infrastructure.
The deal includes launchers, interceptors, radar systems, training arrays, and logistical support, with initial operational capability planned within 36 months.
Full package
Deliveries of the first two VSHORAD systems are scheduled within three years, with operator training to begin ahead of acceptance activities. The broader framework agreement, concluded in July 2025, provides for six integrated SHORAD-VSHORAD systems, six SHORAD systems, six VSHORAD systems, and associated ammunition, training, and logistical support.
The SPYDER system is a mobile, quick‑reaction air‑defense solution designed to protect against a wide spectrum of aerial threats. It can intercept aircraft, drones, and UAVs, helicopters, and precision‑guided munitions, and counter‑tactical ballistic missile capability.
The SPYDER Family of short- to long-range mobile, quick-reaction, combat-proven Air Defense Systems includes the SPYDER SR, SPYDER MR, SPYDER LR, SPYDER ER, and the SPYDER All-in-One.
It is built around the Python‑5 and the Derby missiles, which are adapted from air‑to‑air use for ground launch and are designed to counter aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and precision‑guided munitions.
The system uses an electro-optical observation payload and wireless data link communication and can engage multiple threats simultaneously up to 160 kilometers away in all weather conditions.
The EL/M 2106 radar is manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries-IAI, a subsidiary of Elta, and can track up to 500 targets simultaneously in all weather conditions while on the move.
Its modular architecture allows for both stationary and mobile deployment, and its rapid response time is intended to provide effective protection of strategic assets in complex air environments.
Popular air defense system
Rafael was selected through a restricted tender aimed at supplying Romania with a large number of SPYDER batteries. Romanian officials emphasized that the procurement aligns with NATO requirements and is intended to strengthen defenses against a spectrum of aerial threats, including drones and cruise missiles.
“The agreement with Romania is a strategic one that demonstrates Rafael's technological leadership and enduring excellence in the field of air defense. We thank the Government of Romania for choosing the SPYDER system and welcome Romania's entry into the community of nations that have chosen Rafael's system to protect their citizens,” said Rafael chairman of the board, Prof. Yuval Steinitz.
“As a leader in defense innovation, we will continue to contribute to the security of our partners through the development of the most advanced technologies and productive industrial collaborations,” he added.
Over the past three decades, Rafael has supplied Romania with advanced systems in the field of tactical missiles (SPIKE), electro-optics, and communications across all branches of the country's armed forces, the air, land, and naval forces, alongside additional operational capabilities.
SPYDER has been operational for more than fifteen years and is said to be used by several militaries around the world, including the Czech Republic, which became the first NATO member to deploy it, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, India, the Philippines, Vietnam, Kenya and Singapore.
Romania’s acquisition was approved by Parliament in accordance with national legislation and conducted as a competitive restricted tender. The SHORAD-VSHORAD procurement program aims to equip the Romanian Armed Forces with modern systems capable of countering current and emerging aerial threats while integrating into NATO’s broader defense network.
The contract with Romania further anchors the Israeli system within NATO. Last week, Switzerland began talks with Israeli air defense manufacturers for a second air defense system. Defense & Tech by The Jerusalem Post understands that the Israeli system being looked at is Rafael's David’s Sling.