02.04.2026 18:12
The Romanian Ministry of Defense is considering terminating the UAV procurement contract signed with the Israel-based Elbit Systems due to delivery delays and technical risks. After three postponed deliveries, penalties amounting to millions of euros have accumulated, and Defense Minister Radu Miruta stated that there is a risk of the systems becoming outdated.
The Romanian Ministry of Defense has put on its agenda the termination of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) supply contract signed with the Israel-based Elbit Systems.
$427 MILLION AGREEMENT AT RISK
Defense Minister Radu Miruta stated in a press conference that the agreement, valued at approximately $427.2 million, could be canceled due to delivery delays.
DELIVERIES POSTPONED, PENALTIES ACCUMULATED
According to the contract signed in 2022, deliveries were planned to start in 2025. However, it has been reported that Elbit Systems requested postponements three times citing force majeure.
It was stated that the Romanian side accepted the first two postponements, yet the company accumulated approximately €60 million in delay penalties.
"TECHNOLOGY CARRIES THE RISK OF BECOMING OBSOLETE"
Minister Miruta pointed out that the delays affect not only the schedule but also the technological validity. He mentioned that some systems could lose their relevance if delivered late and stated that the evaluation of whether to terminate the contract is being considered.