Romania Purchases 18 Bayraktar TB2 Drones From Turkey
On April 25, it was reported that the Romanian Ministry of Defense have signed a $321 million contract with the Turkish defense industry company Baykar for the procurement of Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicles. This development was confirmed by Baykar General Manager Haluk Bayraktar hours after the news broke.
On his social media account, Haluk Bayraktar stated, “Romania, with which we have long-standing friendship and strong ties based on mutual trust, has joined the countries that have taken the high-tech Bayraktar TB2 into its inventory.” Bayraktar says that so far the company has export contracts with 28 different countries for the Bayraktar TB2, “we are proud of exporting to 2 EU member countries and 3 NATO member countries together with Romania… With this export, the ties between Türkiye and Romania will become stronger. We will continue to work together for our common future.”
Turkey’s ambassador to Bucharest, Özgür Kıvanç Altan, stated on the subject, “Our friend, Black Sea neighbor, and NATO ally Romania is adding Bayraktar TB2 to its inventory. This strategic capability, which has won many battles, is a new sign of our strategic partnership with Romania.”
In August of last year, the Romanian Ministry of Defense first announced its intention to purchase three systems of Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles from Baykar for around $300 million. In the statement made by the ministry at that time, “The UAS systems to be purchased will be intended for the Romanian Land Forces. Each system includes six aerial platforms with target engagement capabilities (a total of 18 drones). The program also involves the purchase of an initial logistical support package, necessary training and equipment,” The ministry also stated that the acquisition would support Romania’s military modernization efforts until 2040.
Romania, which increased its defense budget following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, also signed a framework agreement with Israel’s Elbit Systems company last year to purchase up to seven Watchkeeper X UAVs as part of its military modernization through 2040. The Romanian Ministry of Defense also purchased 32 F-16A/B aircraft, which had been operated in the Norwegian Air Force for 42 years, for $385 million. Earlier this month, it was also reported that Romania is considering purchasing F-35s as part of its efforts to modernize its air force.