Romania awards framework contract for Watchkeeper X UAS

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 billion) 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.