Romania Reportedly Acquires Drone Detection Systems from Rheinmetall Subsidiary Amid Rising Airspace Security Concerns

BUCHAREST — Romania has reportedly taken another step toward bolstering its air defense posture by signing a RON 50.4 million ($10.8 million) contract with Rheinmetall Automecanica, the Romanian subsidiary of German defense giant Rheinmetall AG, for the supply of drone detection systems, according to reports from Economedia.ro and Romania-Insider.

The systems, designed to identify and track unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are said to form part of a broader effort to enhance Romania’s early-warning and counter-UAS (unmanned aerial system) network. The Ministry of Defense has not confirmed the deal publicly, and no technical details have been disclosed. However, defense sources suggest it likely involves sensor and radar-based technologies capable of integration into existing air-defense infrastructure.

Rheinmetall Automecanica, based in Mediaș, Transylvania, became part of Rheinmetall’s global production network following a majority acquisition in 2023. The company specializes in military vehicle maintenance, system integration, and production of specialized defense components. The reported deal would mark one of its first major domestic defense contracts since joining the German group.

The acquisition comes as Romania’s border regions have repeatedly experienced airspace violations and drone debris incidents linked to the war in neighboring Ukraine, prompting heightened concern over national airspace protection.

Across Eastern Europe, NATO member states including Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic have accelerated investments in counter-UAV technologies, ranging from radar arrays to electronic warfare systems, as unidentified drones have been sighted near sensitive infrastructure and military facilities.

For Rheinmetall, the Romanian deal would complement a series of regional modernization programs, including a €328 million contract to upgrade Romania’s Oerlikon air-defense systems. The German defense group has also announced plans to expand its Romanian footprint to support production and maintenance of air-defense vehicles and components.

Defense analysts say the reported procurement represents a strategic pre-emptive move by Bucharest to align with NATO’s integrated air-defense strategy and reinforce its capacity to detect low-flying or small UAVs.

“The surge in drone activity across NATO’s eastern flank has reshaped how nations view airspace security. Romania’s reported deal with Rheinmetall signals its intent to develop an independent detection network to protect key assets,” said one European defense analyst.

While Rheinmetall has not issued an official statement, experts note that the systems could belong to the company’s Skymaster or Skyranger family, adaptable for both stationary and mobile platforms.

Deliveries are reportedly expected to begin in 2025, with initial systems likely to be deployed at strategic military and infrastructure sites across Romania.