The Ministry of Defense is analyzing the termination of the contract with Elbit Systems due to delays. The delivery of the Watchkeeper X drones, scheduled for 2025, is affected.

Romania is considering canceling a contract worth over 400 million dollars with Elbit Systems for the acquisition of Watchkeeper X tactical drones, due to significant delays in delivery. The Minister of Defense, Radu Miruță, stated that the delivery, initially scheduled for the summer of 2025, has not been made, and the delays could render the technology obsolete. Miruță mentioned that the ministry is analyzing the legality of terminating the contract, considering that the drones may no longer be of interest if they arrive with significant delays. Elbit Systems has cited force majeure reasons for the delays but has already had three requests for postponement, two of which were accepted. The penalties accumulated by the company amount to approximately 60 million euros. Despite the challenges, Elbit Systems claims that the project is progressing and that deliveries are scheduled for the end of April, depending on the approvals from the authorities. However, the delivery of essential components remains uncertain.