Romania Picks Israel's Rafael for €1.9 Billion Air Defence Deal Featuring Advanced Spyder System

Romania is set to significantly upgrade its national air defence capabilities with a major procurement from Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. The Romanian Ministry of National Defence has officially selected Rafael to supply a new air defence system in a deal estimated at €1.9 billion. Though the agreement is pending formal signing, the selection confirms Rafael's win in one of Europe’s most closely watched defence contracts.

This deal will become Israel’s second-largest defence export ever, following the $3.5 billion sale of the Arrow 3 missile defence system to Germany in 2023. It will also exceed the $1.6 billion agreement signed with India in 2017 for the Barak 8 system. The chosen system is widely believed to be Rafael’s Spyder (Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby) air defence solution.

What is the Spyder System?

Spyder is a quick-reaction, short and very short-range air defence system designed to protect against a wide array of airborne threats. This includes fighter aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and precision-guided munitions. It operates using Rafael’s Python-5 and Derby missiles—both known for their high accuracy, agility, and versatility. These interceptors can be launched in both lock-on-before-launch and lock-on-after-launch modes, allowing flexible and effective engagements in diverse battlefield scenarios.

All-in-ONE Configuration: A Game Changer

A standout feature of Spyder is its All-in-ONE configuration, where the radar, electro-optical sensors, command-and-control unit, and missile launchers are all mounted on a single vehicle. This unique integration enables fast deployment, easy mobility, and reduced personnel requirements. It is especially well-suited for protecting moving columns, mobile bases, or critical infrastructure in remote areas.

The system’s mobility and modular nature were demonstrated during a live-fire test in Israel in January 2024. In a challenging environment simulating real-world combat conditions, the Spyder successfully intercepted a UAV with a direct hit—showcasing its advanced tracking and interception capability.

Completing Romania's Air Defence Shield

Romania has been working on a comprehensive multi-layered air defence strategy since parliamentary approval in 2020. The plan includes shoulder-launched missiles, long-range defence systems like the Patriot, and now, with Spyder, a reliable short-range shield. The new system fills a crucial gap in Romania’s integrated air defence architecture, offering rapid reaction against low-flying and fast-moving aerial threats.

European Cooperation and Local Industry Involvement

The Romanian government is planning to fund the deal with support from the European Union, including programs like the Ammunition Production Support Act (ASAP) and the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act (EDIRPA). These instruments require that part of the system's production and support be conducted in Europe, with a focus on Romania-based companies. This ensures not only defence capability enhancement but also local industrial participation and job creation.

Rafael already has experience in European partnerships. Its Eurospike joint venture—co-owned with German companies Diehl and Rheinmetall—produces the Spike anti-tank missile family in Europe. Similar collaboration frameworks are expected to be used in Romania.

Beating the Competition

Rafael’s offer outpaced competing bids from major European defence firms, including MBDA’s Mistral 3 system and Germany’s Diehl Defence with the IRIS-T SLS system. The South Korean company LIG Nex1 was disqualified earlier in the process due to technical documentation shortcomings.

With this selection, Romania is not only enhancing its defence capability but also reinforcing its ties with Israel, while integrating seamlessly into the broader NATO and EU security framework. The Spyder system will provide a fast, flexible, and combat-proven solution to defend Romania’s skies in an increasingly uncertain global environment.