Romania Signs €626 Million Deal for French Mistral Air Defence Systems
EU-NATO member strengthens short-range air defence with 231 MANPADS and 934 missiles amid regional drone threats
Romania has signed a €626 million ($726 million) contract with France to acquire Mistral man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) and missiles, reinforcing its short-range air defence capabilities. The deal, announced by Romania’s Ministry of National Defence, includes 231 launchers, 934 missiles, training packages, simulators, and logistical support.
The procurement is part of a joint European initiative under the EU’s EDIRPA program (European Defence Industry Reinforcement through common Procurement Actions), designed to strengthen collective defence and support the European defence industry. Romanian lawmakers first approved the acquisition plan in 2022.
Romania, a member of both the EU and NATO, shares a 650-kilometre border with Ukraine. Since Russia began targeting Kyiv’s Danube ports, Romanian territory has repeatedly experienced drone incursions and falling debris, underscoring the urgency of bolstering air defence.
Romania’s current assets include F-16 fighter jets, Patriot missile systems, HIMARS rocket launchers, South Korean Chiron missiles, and German Gepard anti-aircraft guns. The country is also preparing to deploy the U.S.-supplied Merops anti-drone system and has announced plans to partner with Ukraine on drone development under a new EU defence funding mechanism.
• Fleet Expansion: Romania confirmed procurement of 200–231 Mistral 3 launchers and over 1,000 missiles, ensuring coverage for land, air, and naval forces.
• Operational Integration: The systems will be integrated with NATO’s Air Command and Control System (ACCS), enhancing interoperability with allied forces.
• Regional Context: Analysts note the acquisition directly addresses Russian drone and missile incursions near Romania’s border, particularly around the Danube Delta.
• Industrial Cooperation: The deal supports MBDA’s European production lines and strengthens Franco-Romanian defence ties.
• Future Plans: Romania is considering additional short-range anti-drone systems and has joined EU-led discussions on joint procurement of counter-UAS technologies.
Recent reports highlight Romania’s expanded role in European air defence:
Comparative Snapshot
Feature Romania Current Assets New Mistral 3 Package NATO Allies (France/Germany)
Launchers Chiron, Gepard 200–231 MANPADS Similar MANPADS fleets
Missiles Patriot, HIMARS 934–1,000 Mistral 3 Meteor, IRIS-T, Stinger
Anti-Drone Systems-Merops (incoming Integrated with Mistral Ongoing NATO C-UAS programs
NATO Interoperability-Partial Full ACCS integration Full
Delivery Timeline Ongoing (2026–2030 est.) TBD (phased) Active deployments
Conclusion
Romania’s €626 million Mistral procurement is more than a defensive upgrade—it’s a strategic NATO alignment. By integrating Mistral 3 systems into its arsenal, Romania strengthens its deterrence posture against drone and missile threats, while contributing to EU-wide defence industrial cooperation. The move positions Romania as a frontline contributor to NATO’s eastern air shield.
Source: Bucharest, Reuters & ©XAirForces News, 9 January 2026
(Army Recognition / Defense Post / Newsweek Romania)
Photo: Signage for the Mistral Group is seen during the Association of the United States Army annual meeting and exposition at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, U.S., October 14, 2024. REUTERS/Nathan Howard. (Photo by ©Mistral Group)
Editor:Bogdan Gabriel Curcea (Balkanian ©XAirForces News Editor from Romania and Serbia)
