As the war in Ukraine drives nations to bolster their defense capabilities, Romania has emerged as a critical player on NATO’s eastern flank.
Israeli defense giant Elbit Systems has played a significant role in modernizing Romania’s Armed Forces, providing cutting-edge technology and expanding local production capabilities.
Throughout its long-standing partnership with Romania, Elbit Systems has been instrumental in transitioning the country’s military from a mix of Cold War-era equipment to a more modern, NATO-standard force. The company has been involved in Romanian defense industries for over three decades, starting with early modernization programs in the 1990s. Today, Elbit’s presence in Romania includes three companies and four facilities, employing around 850 people with plans for further expansion.
“Our presence in Romania has grown consistently over the past 15 years, and we will soon open additional production facilities,” said Ran Kril, Executive Vice President of International Marketing and Business Development at Elbit Systems. “We understand the importance of Romania as an EU and NATO country and a key partner in the security of the continent.”
Elbit’s contributions are not limited to technology transfers. The company is deeply integrated into Romania’s defense sector, producing electronic components, systems, and subsystems for military hardware, as well as integrating turrets and remotely controlled weapons systems. Elbit also provides advanced aviation training and simulation technologies, ensuring that Romanian forces are equipped with state-of-the-art tools and training.
One of the latest milestones in this partnership is a cooperation agreement between Elbit Systems and CN ROMARM S.A, through its subsidiary S Uzina Automecanica Moreni S.A (UAM). The agreement focuses on artillery production, establishing a Romanian Artillery Center aimed at strengthening the domestic industrial base and creating a foundation for sovereign artillery production within the country.
This collaboration comes at a time when Romania is experiencing its largest defense budget in 30 years, with a surge of 19 billion euros, nearly 4 billion of which is earmarked for new equipment. The focus areas for this budget include military fixed-wing aircraft, military land vehicles, and missile defense systems.
“As Romania’s number one exporter of defense equipment, we have invested significantly in our factories to ensure that they are technologically advanced and leading in the industry,” said Udi Vered, General Manager of Elbit Systems Land. “We are dedicated to providing excellent services to our local Romanian customers first and foremost, as well as other customers worldwide.”
Romania’s growing defense capabilities, bolstered by partnerships with companies like Elbit Systems, are increasingly critical as the region faces heightened security concerns. The modernization of Romania’s armed forces not only strengthens national defense but also enhances NATO’s collective security framework on its eastern border.