Romania's Vulnerabilities in Air Defense Against Russian Drones
Romania's air defense capabilities are under scrutiny due to persistent threats from Russian drones. Acquisition programs for systems like Spyder and MEROPS are ongoing, but delays and confusion over contracts hinder operational readiness.
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Romania will acquire 18 SHORAD-VSHORAD air defense systems from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd, with a budget of 10.33 billion lei (approximately 2.038 billion euros). The contract was confirmed on July 18, 2025, following the disqualification of competing bids from Diehl Defence and MBDA.
Experts assert that Romania's air defense is currently inadequate against low-flying drone threats, necessitating faster system operationalization. General Dorin Toma emphasizes the need for integrated defense systems, highlighting that effective drone detection requires innovative solutions such as acoustic sensors and infrared cameras.
Romania risks falling behind its neighbors, like Poland, which has developed advanced drone detection systems along its borders. The integration of multiple defense layers is crucial to counter emerging aerial threats effectively.
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