Romania is considering terminating a major defence contract with Israeli firm Elbit Systems for the supply of unmanned aerial vehicles, citing repeated delivery delays.
Romanian Defence Minister Radu Miruta said the government is reviewing the $427.18 million agreement, signed in 2022, after the company requested multiple postponements to the delivery schedule.
According to Miruta, deliveries were initially expected to begin in 2025, but Elbit Systems sought three delays citing force majeure. Romania accepted the first two postponements, while the company incurred penalties estimated at around €60 million.
“I am currently considering the possibility of terminating this contract,” Miruta said, adding that some of the equipment risks becoming technologically outdated by the time it is delivered.
Elbit Systems is a major supplier to the Israeli military, producing a significant share of its ground equipment and drones.
The potential cancellation comes amid broader regional security and military pressures, as ongoing conflicts involving Israel — including in the Gaza Strip and against Iran and its regional allies — have reportedly strained its defence production capacity and stockpiles, affecting the timely fulfilment of international contracts.
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