BUCHAREST, Romania — April 2, 2026 : Romania’s Ministry of National Defence is assessing whether to terminate its contract with Israel’s Elbit Systems for the procurement of Watchkeeper X unmanned aerial systems, following prolonged delivery delays, accumulated penalties, and concerns over operational relevance.
The framework agreement, signed in December 2022 through state-owned CN Romtehnica, is valued at up to 1.89 billion lei (approximately $427.2 million). It предусматриes the acquisition of up to seven Watchkeeper X systems, equivalent to 21 unmanned aircraft. In June 2023, Elbit Systems received an initial purchase order worth approximately $180 million covering three systems, with deliveries originally scheduled to begin by mid-2025. As of April 2026, no units have been delivered.
Program Delays and Contractual Issues
The Watchkeeper X is an export variant of a system developed by U-TacS, a joint venture between Elbit Systems and Thales, and is derived from the Hermes 450 platform. It is designed for surveillance, reconnaissance, and target engagement missions and was intended to enhance the Romanian Land Forces’ intelligence and strike capabilities. The program also included provisions for partial production and assembly within Romania, involving local defense firms.
However, the program has experienced repeated delays. Romanian Defence Minister Radu Miruta stated on April 2, 2026, that Elbit Systems has requested three separate postponements, invoking force majeure clauses linked to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. While the Ministry accepted the first two extensions, continued delays have led to financial penalties.
According to the Ministry, Elbit Systems has accrued approximately €60 million in delay penalties. By November 2025, delivery timelines had already exceeded five months beyond the agreed extension period. Independent investigations in the United Kingdom further indicated that key components produced by U-TacS were exported to Israel under conditions requiring re-export to Romania, but have remained in Israel, contributing to the delays cited under force majeure.
Minister Miruta noted that prolonged delays could also affect the operational relevance of the system, given the rapid pace of technological development in unmanned warfare. He confirmed that the Ministry is analyzing whether to proceed with contract termination or continue enforcement under existing penalty provisions.
Potential Shift Toward Bayraktar TB2 Systems
The uncertainty surrounding the Watchkeeper X program comes as Romania continues to expand its existing unmanned capabilities through Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 systems. In April 2023, Romania signed a $321 million contract with Baykar Technology for 18 TB2 drones, organized into three systems. Each system includes six aerial platforms, along with ground control stations, training, and logistical support.
Deliveries of the Bayraktar TB2 systems began in mid-2024, with operations based in Timisoara. The program is currently active and progressing as scheduled.
Defense analysts indicate that if the Watchkeeper X contract is terminated, Romania could reallocate the associated budget toward additional TB2 procurement. Estimates suggest that more than 20 additional drones could be acquired, potentially increasing the total fleet to around 40 units. Such a move would standardize the Romanian Land Forces’ UAV inventory and reduce deployment timelines by relying on an already operational platform.
Comparison of UAV Programs
The Watchkeeper X program, managed by Elbit Systems and Thales, carries a higher contract ceiling at $427.2 million for up to seven systems (21 drones), but remains stalled with no deliveries. In contrast, the Bayraktar TB2 program, valued at $321 million for three systems (18 drones), is actively being delivered and integrated into service.
Strategic and Security Context
Romania’s urgency in advancing its UAV capabilities is influenced by its security environment. The country shares a 650-kilometer border with Ukraine and has reported multiple incidents involving drones entering its airspace, as well as debris from Russian strikes on Ukrainian port infrastructure along the Danube River falling onto Romanian territory.
In response, Romania has committed to increasing defense spending to 2.45 percent of its economic output in 2026. This effort is supported by the European Union’s SAFE initiative, which has allocated €16.6 billion (approximately $19.2 billion) for Romania’s defense modernization programs.
In parallel, the government is pursuing measures to strengthen domestic defense production. Approximately €200 million has been allocated for local drone manufacturing initiatives. Following recent meetings between Romanian defense companies and 15 Ukrainian firms, the Ministry of Defence plans to shortlist Ukrainian drone manufacturers for potential joint production projects within Romania. These efforts aim to reduce reliance on external supply chains and mitigate risks associated with international disruptions.
No final decision has been announced regarding the Watchkeeper X contract. The Ministry retains the option to terminate the agreement, continue applying penalties, or pursue alternative procurement strategies to meet its unmanned aerial system requirements.
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