German company Rheinmetall to modernize NATO air defence systems in Romania

The Romanian ministry of defence has contracted with Rheinmetall to thoroughly modernize the country’s Oerlikon GDF 103 air defence artillery systems. For the Düsseldorf-based technology enterprise, this is the first ever major order from Romania, a NATO and EU member state. Worth around €328 million, the contract encompasses the delivery of four systems as well as training, spare parts, and other services.  Two systems are to be delivered within the next two years, and two more within three years.

“This substantial first-time order from the Romanian government widens our footprint in Central Europe. It also underscores Rheinmetall’s role as a leading supplier of ground-based air defence systems. Moreover, the order will bolster the defensive capabilities of the EU and NATO on Europe’s eastern flank, something we’re very happy about”, states Armin Papperger, chairman of the executive board of Rheinmetall AG. In Satu Mare, Romania, close to the country’s borders with Ukraine and Hungary, Rheinmetall has already been operating a service hub for several months now, where it maintains and services military vehicles.

Each of the systems ordered consists of an Oerlikon Skymaster TLCN fire control system; an X-Band Tactical Acquisition Radar 3D, or X-TAR3D; six 35mm GDF009 TREO Oerlikon Twin Guns, including autoloader; and two heavy-duty special trucks for transporting the fire control system and the tracking radar.