Introduction
Israel and Romania have close diplomatic, economic, military and cyber relations. Israeli exports to Romania increased significantly in recent years and are based not only on sales, but also on joint cooperation and local production, with over a dozen deals signed since 2022 alone, totaling several billion dollars. Israeli arms and cyber companies have extensive presence in Romania with local subsidiaries, factories and offices. Elbit alone owns four Romanian subsidiaries. In June 2025 Rafael won a $2.2 billion tender to supply Romania with its Spyder air defense system in the second-largest arms deal in Israel’s history.
Israel – Romania Relations
Romania recognized Israel in 1948 and was the only Soviet country to maintain relations after 1967.[1]Romania: Palestinians should recognize Israel as Jewish state Romania has a long history of cooperation and agreements with Israel, including both exports and imports of arms.
Official visits between the governments have increased in recent years, with the prime minister of Romania visiting Israel seven times between 2014-2024, while more visits had been made by the Foreign Minister or the president. Israeli officials visits to Romania were fewer, with only two official visits during the same time period.[2]Embassy of Romania to the State of Israel, Political relations During the 2016 visit of the Romanian president Klaus Werner Iohannis he met the Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss the deepening of bilateral ties in security, cyber and energy.[3]PM Netanyahu Meets with Romanian President Klaus Werner Iohannis
At the end of 2020, the total volume of trade between the countries was € 570.15 million.[4]Romania and Israel to Cooperate in the Natural Gas Sector By November 2021 it was reportedly approaching €1 billion.[5]Volume of goods and services trade between Romania, Israel nearing 1B euro In 2021, the countries reported seeking to extend that cooperation to include the national gas industry.[6]Romania and Israel to Cooperate in the Natural Gas Sector Numerous Israeli companies are involved in cooperation projects in Romania including Elbit, IAI and some cybersecurity companies.[7]Embassy of Romania to the State of Israel, Economic relations
Military Relations
Israel and Romania maintain a broad defense partnership that includes regular joint military training exercises, intelligence and security cooperation, and strategic cyber collaboration. Israeli exports to Romania increased significantly in recent years and are based not only on sales, but also on joint cooperation and local production, with over a dozen deals signed since 2022 alone, totaling several billion dollars. Key Israeli companies, especially Elbit Systems, maintain extensive operations in Romania, including local subsidiaries and joint ventures producing drones, turrets, simulators, and artillery systems. Notably, in 2023 Elbit signed several contracts to upgrade Romanian aircraft and established a joint artillery production center in Romania. Rafael has also expanded its footprint, winning a $2.2 billion tender in June 2025 to supply Romania with its Spyder air defense system in the second-largest arms deal in Israel’s history.
Prior to the dissolution of the USSR, Romania had a robust defense industry, which declined during the 1990s.[8]Arms industry in Romania Its arms exports to Israel quadrupled from 2003 to 2010, reaching € 11 million by 2012. In this year Israel was the 3rd largest client of Romaniaäs arms export [9]Romanian-Israeli Arms Trade and Military Relations In 2023 Romania approved licenses for arms exports to Israel worth €59 million.[10]Quds News Network, Five European Countries Traded Weapons with Israel Despite Gaza Genocide, 04.06.2025 In the same time, Israel’s arms airport to Romania was much higher, while just one of several contact signed with Elbit that year estimated at $120 million.[11]See News, Elbit to deliver $120 mln combat systems to Romanian army, 03.03.2023
An article from 2022 estimated that Israel has sold Romania over $1 billion weaponry over the previous 25 years.[12]Haaretz, Romania Looks Set to Be First European Country to Buy Israel’s Iron Dome, 20.09.2022 Since then there were at least 13 deals made between Israeli defense companies and Romania, totaling several Billion dollars, as is listed below. (For more details, see deal list)
The military and security ties are institutionalized: Israel has a military attache in Bucharest, Romania[13]Sibat Defense Directory 2013-2014 and also a police attache in the country.[14]The Times of Israel, Israeli police negotiation team helps Romanian law enforcement end hostage crisis, 06.05.2023 Romania also has a defense attache in Israel.[15]Embassy of Romania to the State of Israel, Embassy Staff
In an interview from 2022, Reuven Ayar, the Ambassador of Israel in Bucharest said to the AGERPRES National Press Agency: “What is unique about this relationship is that, unlike other countries, Israel does co-production with Romania. We don’t just sell, we cooperate in the field of technology, we do co-production. And every system that comes from Israel has been tested in combat conditions, comes with training, with methodology and it’s very particular. Israel is a different state from the rest, in the sense that we don’t sell large platforms, but we have advantages in specific fields – cyber, electronic warfare, anti-missile defense, aeronautics,”.[16]INTERVIEW/Israel’s Ambassador:Unique relationship in the field of security with Romania, a country seen stable, secure by Israelis
During a 2022 visit to Israel by Romanian Defense Minister Vasile Dincu, he expressed Romania’s interest in purchasing the Iron Dome system. It is unclear if this is related to the agreement reported in 2018 for purchase of Iron Dome, perhaps pending final approval by the United States, which is a defacto joint partner in the production of Iron Dome.[17]Romania Looks Set to Be First European Country to Buy Israel’s Iron Dome In that same visit, Dincu expressed his country’s desire for improved military & security cooperation with Israel, including joint military maneuvers between the two countries, and improved cooperation with between Romania’s security services and both Mossad and Shin Bet.[18]Romania Looks Set to Be First European Country to Buy Israel’s Iron Dome
Elbit’s activity in Romania
A remarkable example of Israeli companies co-production with Romania is Elbit’s extensive presence in the country. Elbit is operating in Romania since the 1990s[19]Elbit Systems, Elbit Systems Inaugurates a Land Systems Integration and Production Facility in Romania, 29.11.2018 and has four wholly-owned Romanian subsidiaries: Elbit System S.A., A-E Electronics S.A, Elmet International SRL and Simultec SRL.[20]Romanian-Israeli Arms Trade and Military Relations
2011: Elbit was awarded a contract valued at approximately $18.6 million to upgrade the Romanian Air Forces’ C-130 transport aircraft. The project was conducted in cooperation with local Romanian companies led by the Romanian Aeronautical Industries.[21]Romanian-Israeli Arms Trade and Military Relations
2018: Elbit inaugurated a Land Systems engineering and manufacturing facility near Bucharest that operates as a production and integration center for Elbit’s turrets and weapon stations that are contracted in local programs and for demand from other countries.[22]Elbit Systems, Elbit Systems Inaugurates a Land Systems Integration and Production Facility in Romania, 29.11.2018
2021: Elbit signed an agreement to manufacture Watchkeeper drones, based on Hermes drones, in Romania for the Romanian Armed Forces in a joint venture with Romania’s Aerostar.[23]Elbit signs agreement to manufacture Watchkeeper drones in Romania [24]The Romanian Army will be equipped with Watchkeeper X. The drones are “combat proven” and can also identify Russian submarines in the Black Sea
July 2022: Simultec Magurele, one of Elbit’s Romanian subsidiaries alongside Elmet and AE Electronics, was selected to supply flight simulators for Helicopters for a country in the Asia-Pecific region.[25]See News, Elbit Systems Romanian unit Simultec to deliver flight simulators to Asia-Pacific country, 07.07.2022
December 2022 Romania signed a deal to acquire seven Watchkeeper X UAVs from Elbit for $408 million. Under the five-year deal, Elbit Systems will transfer some of the systems’ production, testing and maintenance to Romanian defence firms.[26]Romania to buy Watchkeeper X surveillance systems from Elbit Systems In April 2026 it was published that Romania is considering cancelling the deal due to delivery delays.[27]The Jerusalem Post, Romania weighs cancelling drone contract with Israel’s Elbit Systems, 02.04.2026[28]Defense Express, Romania Reconsiders Watchkeeper X Deal Amid Delays: Are Ukrainian Drones Solution?, 05.04.2026
Beginning of March 2023: Elbit was awarded a $120 million deal to supply the Romanian land forces with equipment for the Piranha V armoured personnel carrier, including UT30 MK2 unmanned turrets, remote controlled weapon stations (RCWS), and SPEAR mortar systems.[29]See News, Elbit to deliver $120 mln combat systems to Romanian army, 03.03.2023
Later in March 2023: Elbit signed four contracts to supply the Romanian Ministry of National Defense with aircraft upgrade, electronic warfare technology, payload and night vision systems and avionics suites for training aircraft.[30]Defense News, Israel’s Elbit inks four aircraft technology contracts with Romania, 17.03.2023[31]The Defense Post, Elbit Systems Wins Multiple Contracts to Modernize Romanian Aerial Capabilities, 16.03.2023[32]Israel Defense, Elbit awarded four Romanian Armed Forces contracts, 14.03.2023
November 2023: Elbit announced an agreement with Romarm, Romanian state-owned defense company and the country’s main supplier for defense technique and services[33]Wikipedia, ROMARM, to establish a Romanian Artillery Center that will produce Elbit Systems’ 155mm ATMOS Advanced Mobile Howitzers for the Romanian Army and other EU and NATO countries.[34]Elbit Systems, CN ROMARM S.A and Elbit Systems to Cooperate on the Establishment of an Artillery Center of Excellence in Romania, 29.11.2023
January 2025: Romania has awarded a $60 million to Elbit for the supplying of eight ReDrone counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS).[35]Haaretz, String of Errors Costs Israel’s Rafael $60 Million Contract With Romania, 09.01.2025[36]See News, Romania awards $60 mln arms deal to Israel’s Elbit Systems – report, 08.01.2025
Arms purchases from other Israeli companies:
2018: The Israeli company Rafael and Romanian’s Romaero signed a cooperation agreement to produce air defense and other weapon systems for the Romanian Armed Forces. The deal included the development of sea-borne version of the Iron-Dome defense systyem, Samson Remote Control Weapons Systems and Spike tactical missiles.[37]Israeli, Romanian defense contractors sign cooperation deal for Iron Dome
January 2023: The Romanian Ministry of National Defence chose Rafael to provide the SEACOM system and upgrade the Navy’s communications system.[38]Defence Industry Europe, Rafael to upgrade the communications system of the Romanian Navy, 22.01.2023
February 2024: The Romanian Ministry of Defense purchased Spike LR2 anti-tank missiles in a deal valued at $92 million. The missiles, designed by Rafael, were purchased from the company’s joint venture company EuroSpike.[39]Israel Defense, Report: Romania Purchased Spike LR2 Anti-Tank Missiles for $92 Million, 20.02.2024
January 2025: Plasan Sasa signed a contract with Hanwha Aerospace to provide protection kits for the K9 howitzers and K10 vehicles, likely destined for Romania.[40]Army Recognition, Plasan Sasa to Supply Protection Kits for K9 Howitzers in an Eastern European Country, 24.01.2025[41]Israel Defense, Plasan Sasa Expands Partnership with Hanwha Aerospace, 23.01.2025
June 2025: The Romanian Ministry of Defense announced Rafael as the winner of its tender for the procurement of a short-range and ultra-short-range air defense system. Rafael’s system offered in the tender is the Spyder. The tender is worth an estimated €1.9 billion ($2.2 billion). On signing, this deal will become the second largest defense sale ever by the State of Israel.[42]Globes, Rafael wins $2.2b Romanian air defense deal, 30.06.2025 The deal was signed a year later in June 2026 with deliveries expected to begin within three years. The deal includes launchers, interceptor missiles, radar systems, training programs and logistical support.[43]Ynet, Rafael to supply Romania with Spyder air defense systems in $2.3 billion deal, 28.06.2026
Also in June 2025 Romania signed a contract for another purchase from Rafael, the SPIKE anti-tank missile system, to be deployed on a fleet of Enok 4×4 light tactical vehicles manufactured by German company ACS.[44]Israel Defense, Romania Signs New Contract for Enok 4×4 Tactical Vehicles Armed with Israeli SPIKE Missiles, 08.06.2025
May 2026: During Black Sea Defence Aerospace (BSDA) 2026 the Romanian company Optoelectronica presented anti-drone technologies by the Israeli companies D-Fend (the Enforceair) and Skylock,[45]Calea Europeana, Optoelectronica presented anti-drone systems successfully tested in NATO exercises at BSDA 2026: We will produce them in Romania, in a proportion of over 65% (Interview), 15.05.2026 both companies’ products are marketed on Optoelectronica’s website.[46]Optoelectronica, Solutions The Skylock system is set to be partially produced in Romania, in Optoelectronica’s production plant.,[47]Calea Europeana, Optoelectronica presented anti-drone systems successfully tested in NATO exercises at BSDA 2026: We will produce them in Romania, in a proportion of over 65% (Interview), 15.05.2026
Joint Training
In 2003 an agreement for military aerial cooperation was signed between the Romanian Air Force and the Israeli Air Force.[48]Israeli Training in Romania In 2004 the Israeli Air Force started official trainings in Romania.[49]Israeli Training in Romania
2010 – during a joint Romanian-Israeli aviation military exercise named “Blue Sky 2010” an Israeli Air Force helicopter crashed in the Carpathian Mountain, 7 people died.[50]‘Bodies found’ as Israeli helicopter crashes in Romania
2011 – Joint Air Force Training in Romania.[51]Israel Air Force Returns to Romania
2018 – Romanian Police officers of the Gendarmerie were trained by the Israeli Border Police in Romania.[52]Israeli Border Police trains Romanian Police
2022 – “Blue Sky 2022” joint Romanian-Israeli Air Force exercise in Romania.[53]Beyond Border: “BLUE SKY” Exercise in Romania
Arms Fairs
2016 – Black Sea Defense and Aerospace – BSDA 2018 in Bucharest, Romania. Israeli arms companies that participated: Elbit Systems, Ceragon Networks, ECI Telecom.[54]BSDA – Black Sea Defense and Aerospace
2018 – Black Sea Defense and Aerospace – BSDA 2018 in Bucharest, Romania. Israeli arms companies that participated: Elbit Systems, Rafael, Aeronautics.[55]BSDA – Black Sea Defense and Aerospace
2022 – Black Sea Defense and Aerospace – BSDA 2022 in Bucharest, Romania. Israeli arms companies that participated: Elbit Systems, Rafael, Vidisco, Beth-El Industries and Amicell.[56]BSDA 2022 Exhibitor List [57]BSDA Exhibitor List- wayback machine
2024 – Black Sea Defense and Aerospace – BSDA 2024 in Bucharest, Romania. Israeli arms companies that participated: Beth-El Industries, Elbit, Pal Electronics Systems, Rafael, Smart Shooter.[58]BSDA, BSDA 2024 Catalogue
2025 -South Eastern Europe Special Operation Forces – the 2025 forum meeting was held in Târgu Mureș, Romania. Israeli companies that participated: Gilat Satelite Networks, Rafael, Vidisco Ltd.[59]SEESOF forum 2025, Exhibitors List, 2025
Cyber Relations
In 2016, Romania and Israel organized the “Romania – Israel Cyber Security Forum in Bucharest, Romania.[60]2016 Romania – Israel Cyber Security Forum 15 Israeli cyber companies participated in the forum, including IAI, Check Point and Verint Systems.[61]2016 Romania – Israel Cyber Security Forum
Another joint cybersecurity forum was organized in 2019.[62]ROMANIA-ISRAEL CYBERSECURITY FORUM During the forum, Israel and Romania signed an MoU on cyber security cooperation.[63]Romania – Israel Memorandum of Understanding on cyber security cooperation
In 2019 Cybureau S.R.L, the Israeli-Romanian Cyber Empowerment Center was established.[64]CyBureau S.R.L
In 2020 Israel and Romania organized “CybeRomania: Israel-Romania G2G (Government to Government) Dialogue” during the HLS & Cyber Conference 2020.[65]HLS & Cyber Conference 2020
In 2021 Representatives from Romania took part in an Israeli Homeland Security and Cyber Conference, in which companies as IAI Elta, Sightec, BlueBird Aero Systems, General Robotics, Magal Security and Smart Shooter participated.[66]Homeland Security and Cyber conference [67]HLS & CYBER SECURITY – AN IMPROVATE BUSINESS EVENT
Also in 2021, IAI has signed an agreement of cooperation with the Romanian defense company IAR-Brasov to offer advanced UAV solutions, based on IAI’s Heron UAVs. The UAV systems will be manufactured in Brasov, Romania and IAI will establish an academy to train the system operators and technicians in Romania.[68]IAI Partners With IAR-Brasov For UAV Solutions
In 2022 three delegations of Israeli “Home Land Security” companies met government officials, senior defense industry officials, military, police and security commanders, senior aviation and maritime officials in Romania. The delegation was marketed as a big opportunity because of “the current geopolitical situation in Ukraine”.[69]HLS & CYBER SECURITY BUSINESS DELEGATION ROMANIA & BULGARIA [70]Improvate Delegations Archive
Usage of Israeli arms and cyber technologies
Usage of Israeli cyber technologies
Black Cube – was used to spy in 2016 on Laura Kodruta Kovesi, Romanian anti-corruption prosecutor at that time and as to 2022 EPPO chief prosecutor.[71]Europe Parliament : Pegasus and surveillance spyware [72]3 Israelis from Black Cube intel firm given suspended sentence in Romania Black Cube bills itself as a “select group of veterans from Israeli elite intelligence units,” and its website listed former Mossad director Meir Dagan, who died in 2016, as its honorary president.[73]3 Israelis from Black Cube intel firm given suspended sentence in Romania
BriefCam – Romanian company ELKO Romania distributes surveillance technologies by the Israeli company BriefCam since March 2022.[74]ELKO Romania provides advanced analysis and investigation solutions with the help of Axis, Milestone and BriefCam
Cellebrite – Romania is an official customer of Cellebrite’s forensic software technologies. In 2022 Romania purchased Cellebrite’s technology for a National Police division.[75]Ted Europe Romania-București: Computer upgrade services
Cognyte – the Israeli company holds offices in Romania with an average number of 115 employees.[76]The software developer Cognyte Romania, with a turnover of 7 million euros in 2021, is looking to recruit 33 specialists for the office in Bucharest. The company increased its business by 36% in 2021
Senstar Technologies (Magal Security Systems) – opened a software development branch in Timisoara, Romania.[77]Israeli security solutions provider Senstar opens branch in Romania
Usage of Israeli Arms
Uzi – in use by Romanian Military Police.[78] Details with the uniform of a Romanian Military Police soldier, armed with a Micro Uzi [79]Romania Army, National Security and Defense Policy Handbook Volume 1
Wolf Armoured Vehicle – In use by Military Police.[80]Romania Army, National Security and Defense Policy Handbook Volume 1
LAROM – in use by Romanian Military since 2002.[81]LAROM Multiple launch rocket system
Sandcat – In 2013 a Sandcat armored vehicle operated by the Romanian Gendarmery, produced by Plasan, was spotted in a Romanian military parade.[82]Romanian Gendarmery Plasan Sand Cat armored vehicle – December 1st, Parade on Romania’s National Day
Spike missiles – In 2024 Spanish Marines were deployed in Romania to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank and were equipped with Rafael’s Spike missiles.[83]Bulgarian Military, Spain deploys Piranha IIIC APCs and Spike missiles to Romania, 08.10.2024 In 2025 Romania signed a deal to purchase light tactical vehicles equipped with SPIKE anti-tank missile systems.[84]Israel Defense, Romania Signs New Contract for Enok 4×4 Tactical Vehicles Armed with Israeli SPIKE Missiles, 08.06.2025