Romania signs €2 billion contract to acquire Israeli Rafael Spyder air defense missile systems.

According to information published by the Romanian website HotNews, on July 21, 2025, the Romanian Ministry of National Defense, through its General Directorate for Armaments and the state-owned procurement company Romtehnica SA, signed a comprehensive framework agreement with Israeli defense manufacturer Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd on Friday, July 18. The contract marks a significant milestone in Romania’s national air defense modernization program, establishing a seven-year acquisition plan for the delivery of Spyder Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD) and Very Short-Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) systems.
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The Israeli Rafael Spyder is a mobile surface-to-air missile system designed to intercept aircraft, helicopters, drones, and precision-guided munitions using Python-5 and Derby missiles in both short and very short-range configurations. (Picture source: Rafael)

The 2.038 billion euro agreement will result in the procurement of six integrated SHORAD-VSHORAD systems, including six SHORAD and six VSHORAD batteries, along with missiles, a full training and education package, a simulation and verification platform for VSHORAD operator evaluation, and associated logistical support. The first two VSHORAD systems are scheduled for delivery within three years of signing the initial subsequent contract. The program reflects Romania’s strategic commitment to developing a multi-layered, NATO-compliant air defense architecture in response to growing regional security concerns, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine and increased drone and missile threats in Eastern Europe.

The Spyder (Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby) family is a modern Israeli mobile air defense system developed by Rafael, designed to provide point and area defense against a wide range of aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions. The system uses two types of air-to-air missiles adapted for surface launch: the Python-5, a fifth-generation infrared-guided missile, and the Derby, an active radar-guided beyond-visual-range missile. The missiles are fired from mobile launchers integrated with Elta EL/M-2106 ATAR 3D radars and advanced electro-optical tracking systems, ensuring all-weather, day-and-night operational capability.

Spyder is available in multiple variants tailored to different threat envelopes and response times. The Spyder-SR (Short Range) provides coverage up to 20 km and is optimized for rapid deployment and protection of mobile forces or tactical assets. The Spyder-ER (Extended Range) enhances the engagement envelope to 40 km using booster-equipped missiles. The Spyder-MR (Medium Range) further increases operational reach and altitude, while the Spyder-LR (Long Range) variant is designed to intercept high-speed targets at distances exceeding 70 km. Romania’s acquisition of the SHORAD and VSHORAD configurations indicates a focus on low-to-medium altitude threats and close-range defense of critical assets, with the potential for integration into NATO's broader missile defense network.

Romania’s air defense modernization program has accelerated in recent years, with key acquisitions including the U.S.-made Patriot PAC-3 long-range missile defense systems, Norwegian NASAMS mid-range systems, and locally upgraded Oerlikon-GDF 35 mm anti-aircraft guns. The addition of the Israeli Spyder system adds a mobile and reactive short-range layer, providing critical coverage against evolving drone and cruise missile threats. As the regional security environment continues to evolve, Romania’s investment in layered air defense systems ensures a flexible and interoperable shield aligned with NATO's collective defense strategy.