BUCHAREST, April 6 (Reuters) - Israel's Elbit Systems is preparing to start delivery of Watchkeeper X drones to Romania under a 1.89 billion lei ($428.75 million) contract, the company said on Monday,
Elbit Systems to Deliver Watchkeeper X Drones to Romania After Delay Threat
Contract Details and Delivery Timeline
BUCHAREST, April 6 (Reuters) - Israel's Elbit Systems is preparing to start delivery of Watchkeeper X drones to Romania under a 1.89 billion lei ($428.75 million) contract, the company said on Monday, after the Romanian defence minister threatened last week to cancel the deal due to delays.
Background of the Agreement
The deal for seven unmanned aircraft systems was signed in 2022, with deliveries due to start in 2025.
Force Majeure and Project Prioritization
"Despite the challenges arising from the exceptional security situation in Israel, which has been recognised as a force majeure event by the company's customers worldwide, the project has been given high priority," Elbit Systems said in an emailed response to Reuters queries.
Acceptance Tests and Local Manufacturing
"The systems are ready to undergo final acceptance tests in Romania toward the end of April, subject to approval by the Romanian regulatory authorities."
It said the drones were being manufactured in Romania.
Strategic Importance for Romania
Romania, a European Union and NATO member, shares a 650‑km (400-mile) land border with Ukraine and has had drones breach its airspace and fragments fall onto its territory since Russia began attacking Ukrainian ports located across the Danube from Romania.
Financial Details
($1 = 4.4082 lei)
(Reporting by Emily Rose and Luiza Ilie; Editing by Susan Fenton)
