Rheinmetall to upgrade Romanian air defence artillery systems
Rheinmetall will deliver the first two upgraded air defence systems to Romania in the next two years. (Photo: Rheinmetall)
Romania is one of several countries near Ukraine and Russia which have recently signed contracts for improved air defence equipment alongside Austria, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
Rheinmetall has been contracted to upgrade Romania’s Oerlikon GDF 103 air defence artillery systems with four systems to be provided under a EUR328 million (US$360 million) deal which includes training, spare parts and other services.
Two of the systems are expected to be delivered in the next two years and the final two before the end of 2026.
Each of the systems ordered consists of an Oerlikon Skymaster TLCN fire control system; an X-Band Tactical Acquisition Radar 3D (X-TAR3D); six 35mm GDF009 TREO Oerlikon Twin Guns, including autoloader; and two heavy-duty special trucks for transporting the fire control system and the tracking radar.
Armin Papperger, chairman of the executive board of Rheinmetall, said the order was the first ‘substantial first-time order from the Romanian government [and] widens our footprint in Central Europe.'
‘The order will bolster the defensive capabilities of the EU and NATO on Europe’s eastern flank, something we’re very happy about.’
Rheinmetall has already been operating a vehicle maintenance and service hub In Satu Mare, close to Romania’s border with Ukraine, for several months.
The company highlighted the success of canon ant-aircraft systems in Ukraine’s war against Russia, particularly the aging 35mm Gepard antiaircraft tank against aerial threats, especially cruise missiles and UAVs, and the continuing importance of short-range air defence in modern warfare.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles]()
Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles
The order is a further boost for the Common Armoured Vehicles System programme which has notched notable successes in the past 12 months. The first vehicle, made in Finland, will be delivered next year with local production expected to ramp up in 2027.
-
![Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options]()
Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options
The French and German governments signed an agreement in June 2018 to cooperate on the development of a new main battle tank under the Main Ground Combat System programme but the effort has struggled. This new agreement may damage it further.
-
![2025 land market review: British Army woes, European heavy armour and US MBT progress]()
2025 land market review: British Army woes, European heavy armour and US MBT progress
The last year has seen several major procurements in the land market. Shephard’s Dr Peter Magill reviews the main trends and themes in land procurement of 2025.
-
![Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions]()
Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions
Developed by Israel's Uvision and with systems being sold in the thousands to multiple European NATO countries and the US, the Hero family of loitering systems is also in production in the US and Italy, the latter through Rheinmetall.
-
![Croatia orders Leopards and CAESAR howitzers as Lithuania orders more CAESARs]()
Croatia orders Leopards and CAESAR howitzers as Lithuania orders more CAESARs
The Leopard is becoming the tank of choice in central and eastern Europe as Croatia joins Lithuania, the Czech Republic and Hungary in ordering the platform. Lithuania and Croatia have also signed for CAESAR howitzers.
-
![Light Reconnaissance Strike – enabling a vital mission set (Studio)]()
Light Reconnaissance Strike – enabling a vital mission set (Studio)
A new system-of-systems concept will unlock digital integration of sensors and weapons for Light Forces, allowing them to shape the battlefield environment on their own terms and upgrade legacy platforms.
