BUCHAREST, June 24, 2026 — Romania has awarded German defense company Rheinmetall a €5.7 billion contract for a wide range of military equipment, including 24 Skyranger 35 air defence systems, 298 Lynx-family combat vehicles, naval vessels, and ammunition. The agreement is one of the largest defense procurement programs undertaken by Romania in recent years and represents Rheinmetall’s largest international order to date.
The contracts were signed on May 29, 2026, under the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, which supports defense investments among EU member states. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028 and continue through 2030.
Skyranger 35 to Strengthen Mobile Air Defence
A central element of the package is the acquisition of 24 Skyranger 35 ground-based air defence systems integrated onto Rheinmetall’s Lynx KF41 tracked infantry fighting vehicle platform. The combination provides the Romanian Armed Forces with a highly mobile air defence capability designed to protect troops, military assets, and critical infrastructure from modern aerial threats.
The Skyranger 35 is equipped with a high-precision 35 mm Oerlikon revolver cannon capable of firing programmable AHEAD airburst ammunition. The system is supported by advanced multi-mission radar sensors providing 360-degree surveillance and electro-optical tracking systems for passive target detection and engagement.
Designed for short-range and very short-range air defence missions, the Skyranger 35 can counter loitering munitions, drone swarms, attack helicopters, and conventional aerial threats while on the move.
According to Rheinmetall, recent security developments, including incidents involving unmanned drones entering Romanian airspace, have highlighted the growing need for modern mobile air defence capabilities.
Oliver Dürr, Head of Rheinmetall’s Air Defence Division, said Romania’s selection of the Skyranger 35 on the Lynx platform marks an important step in strengthening European air defence capabilities and addressing current security challenges.
Comprehensive Modernization Package
Beyond the Skyranger systems, the broader procurement package includes 298 Lynx-family tracked vehicles. The fleet will consist primarily of armored personnel carriers, supported by reconnaissance, command post, mortar carrier, and medical evacuation variants.
To strengthen Romania’s layered air defence network, the agreement also includes seven Skynex air defence batteries and two Millennium Gun systems intended for maritime air defence operations.
The package additionally covers more than 400,000 rounds of medium-caliber ammunition, including specialized 35 mm AHEAD airburst munitions used by the Skyranger 35 system.
Naval Capabilities Expansion
Romania’s naval forces will also receive four new vessels under the agreement, including two offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) and two diver intervention support ships. The vessels are expected to enhance maritime security and operational capabilities in the Black Sea region.
Focus on Domestic Industry
A significant portion of the program will be implemented within Romania through industrial cooperation and technology transfer initiatives. Rheinmetall plans to invest several hundred million euros in local production facilities and expand its industrial footprint in the country.
The company intends to integrate more than 200 Romanian subcontractors into its supply chain, enabling a substantial share of manufacturing and value creation to take place domestically. Romanian officials expect the program to support the growth of the national defense industry and create thousands of jobs over the coming decade.
The local production component was also included to meet the requirements of the European Union’s SAFE financing framework, which encourages industrial participation within member states.
Strengthening NATO’s Eastern Flank
The procurement forms part of Romania’s broader military modernization strategy and is expected to enhance the country’s contribution to NATO’s eastern flank security architecture.
Once delivered, Romania will become the second NATO country on NATO’s eastern flank to operate the Lynx platform after Hungary. Until the new Skyranger systems enter service, Rheinmetall will continue supporting Romania’s existing Gepard anti-aircraft gun vehicles to maintain operational air defence readiness.
The €5.7 billion package represents a major step in Romania’s efforts to modernize its armed forces while strengthening domestic defense production and regional security capabilities.
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