22 December 2022

Romania awards framework contract for Watchkeeper X UAS

by Nicholas Fiorenza & Jaison Deepak

The Romanian MND, through CN Romtehnica, and Elbit Systems signed a framework contract on 20 December for up to seven Watchkeeper X UASs. (Elbit Systems)

The Romanian Ministry of National Defence (MND), through CN Romtehnica, and Elbit Systems signed a framework contract on 20 December for up to seven Watchkeeper X unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), the MND and the Israeli company announced on on the same day. The contract is worth up to RON1.89 billion (nearly USD410 million) and runs for five years, with purchase orders yet to be placed.

Each Watchkeeper X UAS system consists of three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and a ground control station (GCS). The contract could also include infrastructure, spares, maintenance support, and training.

The Watchkeeper X UAS is the UK export variant of the British Army's Watchkeeper produced by UAV Tactical Systems (U-TacS), Elbit Systems' UK subsidiary, and is derived from the Hermes UAS family. Elbit said the Watchkeeper X is compatible with NATO standards, making it interoperable with NATO and other allied forces.

Elbit Systems President and CEO Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis said, “As part of the contract execution, Elbit Systems plans to establish infrastructure and industrial co-operation with U-TacS, Aerostar, and Elbit Systems' subsidiaries in Romania to produce the UAS in Romania.”

The Romanian MND said starting with the first Watchkeeper X system, parts of the UAV and GCS, including electrical and mechanical components, will be produced in Romania by its defence industry. Starting with the third Watchkeeper UAS, all electrical and mechanical systems will be produced in Romania by its defence industry, which will also provide maintenance throughout the Watchkeeper X's life cycle.

The Romanian Ministry of National Defence (MND), through CN Romtehnica, and Elbit Systems signed a f...

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