Rheinmetall Secures €328M Contract for Upgrading Romanian Air Defence Systems

The Romanian Ministry of Defence has awarded Rheinmetall, a Düsseldorf-based technology enterprise, a contract valued at approximately €328 million (excluding VAT) for the comprehensive modernization of the country's Oerlikon GDF 103 air defence artillery systems.

This marks Rheinmetall's inaugural major order from Romania, an EU and NATO member state.

The contract involves the delivery of four systems, including the Oerlikon Skymaster TLCN fire control system, an X-Band Tactical Acquisition Radar 3D (X-TAR3D), six 35mm GDF009 TREO Oerlikon Twin Guns with autoloader, and two heavy-duty trucks for transporting the fire control system and tracking radar. Additionally, the package encompasses training, spare parts, and related services.

Two systems are slated for delivery within the next two years, with the remaining two to follow within three years. Rheinmetall Chairman Armin Papperger expressed satisfaction with the order, emphasizing its significance in expanding the company's presence in Central Europe.

The systems ordered are part of Rheinmetall's Skynex air defence solution, an upgraded Oerlikon anti-aircraft artillery system designed for the protection of stationary objects and installations in close and short ranges. Capable of simultaneously engaging up to four targets at very short range, including ground targets, Skynex employs Oerlikon rapid-fire automatic cannon with a rate of fire of 1,100 rounds per minute and a maximum effective range of up to 4,000 meters.

Highlighting the system's combat effectiveness, Rheinmetall emphasizes the use of programmable time-delayed 35mm Ahead ammunition, ensuring maximum efficiency against small, fast-moving targets. The deployment of Skynex represents a generational leap in sensor technology, networked tactical unit deployment, and integration into higher-echelon command and control systems.

In addition to this contract, Rheinmetall has been operating a service hub in Satu Mare, Romania, for several months, focusing on the maintenance and servicing of military vehicles in proximity to Romania's borders with Ukraine and Hungary.