During this edition of the Paris Air Show, Elbit Systems announced the award of a $180 million order to supply the first three Watchkeeper X tactical UAS to the Romanian Ministry of National Defense.
On December 21, 2022 Elbit reported that it had been awarded a framework contract worth up to approximately $410 million to supply up to seven “Watchkeeper X” tactical unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to Romania, valid for five years. Today at Le Bourget 2023, Elbit obtained the firm purchase order for the first three Watchkeeper X of the seven UAS agreed in 2022. The purchase order will be executed over a two-year period.
Under the purchase order, Elbit Systems will provide upgraded Watchkeeper X tactical UAS with advanced capabilities including the Spectro XR multi-spectral electro-optical payload, new communication capabilities and others.
The Watchkeeper X tactical, Dual Payload UAS is the UK export variant of the British Army manufactured by U-TacS, Elbit Systems’ UK subsidiary in cooperation with Thales, and is a derivative of the Hermes™ UAS family. The Watchkeeper X is compatible with NATO standards enabling essential interoperability with NATO and other allied forces.
Yoram Shmuely, General Manager of Elbit Systems Aerospace: “We welcome this partnership with Romania and their trust in our solutions. We also appreciate the continued support and collaboration with the Israeli and UK governments and our business partners on the Watchkeeper program. The ongoing research and development we are investing in the Watchkeeper platform will enhance the capabilities of both the Romanian and British Armed forces to meet evolving operational requirements. This purchase order highlights the strong and growing relationship between Elbit Systems and Romania and illustrates the increased interest in our UAS platforms from countries across Europe and NATO.”
