Romania to Acquire French Mistral Air Defense Systems in €626M Deal
Romania has signed a €626 million deal with France to purchase 231 Mistral air-defense systems and 934 missiles, strengthening its short-range defense layer as drone and missile threats increase near its border with Ukraine.
Romania has signed a contract with France to purchase Mistral man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) worth more than €626 million, the Ministry of Defense confirmed on Tuesday. The order forms part of a joint EU procurement scheme aimed at bolstering short-range air defense capabilities across Europe.
The deal, concluded between Romania’s Defense Ministry and France’s Ministry of Armed Forces, covers 231 Mistral launch units and 934 missiles, along with training packages, simulators, and logistical support. The manufacturer, MBDA, will supply the equipment. Delivery timelines were not disclosed.
Romania’s parliament had authorized the purchase in 2022 as Bucharest accelerated its air-defense modernization strategy amid increasing Russian drone and missile activity near its territory.
Strategic Context
Romania, a NATO and EU member, shares a 650-kilometer land border with Ukraine. Since Russia began striking Ukraine’s Danube port infrastructure, Romania has experienced repeated violations of its airspace and multiple incidents of drone debris falling on Romanian territory.
Romania’s layered air-defense posture currently includes F-16 fighter jets, Patriot batteries, HIMARS, Chiron missiles, and German-built Gepard guns. In parallel, Romania aims to deepen cooperation with Ukraine on drone manufacturing through emerging EU defense-industrial frameworks.
Separately, Romania is nearing operational deployment of U.S.-supplied Merops anti-drone systems, which are expected to enhance counter-UAS coverage along the eastern flank.
