Romania Signs €1.9 Billion Deal for Israeli Spyder Defense to Counter Russian Threat
Romania has selected Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems for a $2.2 billion Spyder air defense contract to strengthen its defenses against Russian expansion, complementing a broader $5.6 billion deal for Iron Dome and Spyder systems. The move reflects heightened European demand for Israel’s proven defense technologies amid regional tensions.
Romania’s Ministry of Defense announced today a landmark €1.9 billion ($2.2 billion) contract with Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to acquire the Spyder air defense system, a strategic move to counter growing fears of Russian expansion following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The Spyder, a short- to medium-range mobile system, outshone competitors like France’s MBDA Mistral 3 and Germany’s Diehl IRIS in a rigorous tender process, with Korea’s LIG Nex1 disqualified earlier due to documentation issues. Capable of launching Python and Derby missiles in under five seconds from target confirmation, Spyder can neutralize drones, aircraft, helicopters, and short-range ballistic missiles at ranges exceeding 15 kilometers (9 miles) and altitudes up to 9,000 meters (29,527 feet). “Every country in the world must have these defense systems: Iron Dome and Arrow 3. They must, and these systems have proven themselves in the last war,” a defense analyst emphasized, referencing Israel’s success against Iranian missile barrages in June 2025.
The deal, set to be Israel’s second-largest defense export after the $3.5 billion Arrow 3 sale to Germany in 2023, includes Romania’s plan to acquire 41 systems, comprising 24 Iron Dome batteries and 17 Spyder batteries, valued at $5.6 billion. This bolsters Romania’s multilayered defense strategy, complementing its April 2025 purchase of a $280 million U.S. Patriot system.
Rafael’s Spyder, already operational in nations like the Czech Republic and Morocco, features an All-in-One configuration with radar, electro-optical sensors, and launchers on a single vehicle, enabling rapid deployment and minimal personnel needs, as demonstrated in a January 2024 test intercepting a UAV in Israel’s Negev desert. Israel’s defense exports hit a record $14.79 billion in 2024, with Europe accounting for 54% of sales, driven by Rafael’s 27% revenue surge to $4.8 billion. Romania’s investment, spurred by Russia’s aggression, aligns with NATO allies like Poland and Germany, enhancing regional security against potential threats.