Elbit Supplies Romania with Watchkeeper X Tactical UAS

A purchase order to be performed over a period of two years, Elbit is to provide upgraded Watchkeeper X tactical UAS with advanced capabilities including the Spectro XR multi-spectral electro-optical payload, new communication capabilities and others By Joseph Macey / 23 Jun 2023

Discover Leading Defense Technology Solutions

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow DA

Elbit Systems has received a purchase order from Romania worth approximately $180 million to provide the first three out of a maximum seven Watchkeeper X tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).

The deal is part of a $410 million (1.89 billion Lei) framework contract with the Romanian Ministry of National Defense. The purchase order will be performed over a period of two years.

Under the order, Elbit Systems will provide upgraded Watchkeeper X tactical UAS with advanced capabilities including the Spectro XR multi-spectral electro-optical payload, new communication capabilities and others.

The Watchkeeper X tactical, Dual Payload UAS is the UK export variant of the British Army manufactured by U-TacS, Elbit Systems’ UK subsidiary in cooperation with Thales, and is a derivative of the Hermes UAS family. The Watchkeeper X is compatible with NATO standards enabling essential interoperability with NATO and other allied forces.

Yoram Shmuely, General Manager of Elbit Systems Aerospace: “We welcome this partnership with Romania and their trust in our solutions. We also appreciate the continued support and collaboration with the Israeli and UK governments and our business partners on the Watchkeeper program. The ongoing research and development we are investing in the Watchkeeper platform will enhance the capabilities of both the Romanian and British Armed forces to meet evolving operational requirements.”

He added: “This purchase order highlights the strong and growing relationship between Elbit Systems and Romania and illustrates the increased interest in our UAS platforms from countries across Europe and NATO.”

Military UAS manufacturers & suppliers Unmanned Aerial Systems for defense >>

Posted by Joseph Macey Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

GA-ASI Invests in Dutch Firms to Advance Defense Innovation After BMN

GA-ASI is set to invest in two Dutch companies following their selection at the Blue Magic Netherlands defense innovation event

Apr 25, 2025
AI-Powered Situational Awareness Platform Launched for Armored Vehicles

Maris-Tech Ltd. has introduced Diamond Ultra, a new integrated AI system designed to improve threat detection and situational awareness in armored fighting vehicles (AFVs)

Apr 25, 2025
Radiofrequency Weapon Disables Drone Swarms in Landmark Army Trial

A UK-developed radiofrequency weapon has successfully downed drone swarms in trials, showcasing a low-cost, high-impact solution to modern aerial threats

Apr 25, 2025
American Standard Circuits’ High-Reliability PCB Services

KT Technical Solutions is highlighting ASC, a vendor and trusted provider of high-performance PCB solutions with a focus on speed, quality, and application-specific expertise

Apr 25, 2025
Q&A with DEFCROS: Key Insights for the 2025 Expo

DEFCROS Founder Kristijan Ilovača discusses the expo’s rapid growth, international ambitions, and how the event aims to support defense and security innovators

Apr 24, 2025
Precision Airdrop System Receives Marketing Approval

ParaZero has received marketing approval from the Israeli Ministry of Defense’s DECA for the DropAir™ Precision Airdrop System, developed in collaboration with Heven Drones

Apr 24, 2025

Featured Content

Q&A with DEFCROS: Key Insights for the 2025 Expo

DEFCROS Founder Kristijan Ilovača discusses the expo’s rapid growth, international ambitions, and how the event aims to support defense and security innovators

Apr 24, 2025
Ophir® FoldIR Lens Enhances Long-Range Imaging for Defense & Security Operations

The new Ophir® FoldIR 25-275mm MWIR zoom lens delivers compact, long-range imaging with low-SWaP performance for drones and small gimbal platforms

Apr 17, 2025
Textron Systems to Support Software & Payload Development for Navy’s MCM USV

Textron Systems is set to support the software development and payload integration for the Navy’s Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), focusing on future mission capabilities and advanced system integration

Apr 14, 2025
Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.