Romania has awarded Turkish company Baykar a $321 million contract to deliver 18 Bayraktar TB2 medium-altitude, long-endurance combat drones.
The agreement builds on the Romanian defense’s $300 million parliamentary request submitted last year seeking to acquire the system.
Under the contract, the TB2 drones will be delivered to the Romanian Air Force’s 93rd Air Base in Timisoara.
The handover will make Romania the second European country to operate the unmanned aerial system after Poland and the third European NATO member to order the capability.
“Each system includes six aerial platforms with target engagement capabilities (a total of 18 drones),” a statement from Baykar said, citing the Romanian Ministry of Defence.
“The program also involves the purchase of an initial logistical support package, necessary training and equipment.”
Romanian Military Modernization
The procurement supports Romania’s military modernization efforts through 2040, under which warfighters will be supplied with advanced weapon systems and related equipment to boost situational awareness, sustain flexibility, and increase firepower.
Part of this initiative is the acquisition of used F-16 Fighting Falcon multirole fighter aircraft from Norway, announced in November 2022.
This month, the government also showed interest in buying F-35s for the Romanian Air Force.