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Israel’s Rafael wins Romanian tender for anti-aircraft missile system

Defense analysts estimated that the selected platform is Rafael’s SPYDER air-defense system, which has been adopted by multiple European nations.

SPYDER all-in-one RAFAEL
The SPYDER system, produced by RAFAEL, is among the many defensive arms that nations around the world are purchasing from Israeli companies. Credit: Courtesy of RAFAEL.

Romania’s Defense Ministry announced on Monday that Israeli defense contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems secured a parliamentary-approved tender for a short-range anti-aircraft missile system.

While parliament has approved the contract, the Defense Ministry has yet to publish details, keeping the specific system’s identity undisclosed.

Defense analysts estimated that the selected platform is Rafael’s SPYDER air-defense system, which has been adopted by multiple European nations. This truck-mounted platform features launchers for Python-5 missiles equipped with radar and active infrared homing technology, providing effectiveness against diverse aerial threats, including unmanned aircraft, helicopters and fighter aircraft.

Rafael’s SPYDER air-defense system. Credit: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
Rafael’s SPYDER air-defense system. Credit: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

The SPYDER configuration comprises a launch vehicle, a command-and-control unit, and a support vehicle that resupplies missiles to the launcher. The system demonstrated operational effectiveness during Israel’s recent war with Hezbollah on the northern front.

Romania’s latest defense procurement follows approximately one month after it decided to acquire 41 Iron Dome launchers. Similar to the current announcement, that contract also remains unpublished, leaving unclear the precise configuration of the acquisition.

Originally published by Israel Hayom.

Neta Bar reports on Israeli culture, community life, and societal developments at JNS.org.
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