Romania Chooses Rheinmetall for Major Air Defence Modernization Project

Romania Chooses Rheinmetall for Major Air Defence Modernization Project

(IN BRIEF) Rheinmetall, a technology enterprise, has secured a significant contract worth approximately €328 million from the Romanian Ministry of Defence. This contract involves the comprehensive modernization of Romania’s Oerlikon GDF 103 air defence artillery systems, marking Rheinmetall’s first major order from Romania. The package includes the delivery of four advanced systems, along with training, spare parts, and support services. The modernization project will enhance Romania’s air defence capabilities and contribute to EU and NATO security in Eastern Europe. Rheinmetall’s advanced air defence solution, known as Skynex, is at the heart of this contract, offering cutting-edge technology for close and short-range protection against various threats, including drones and cruise missiles. This contract reinforces Rheinmetall’s global leadership in air defence solutions.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 22-Dec-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — Rheinmetall AG (ETR: RHM), a German integrated technology group active in the automotive and defence industries, has achieved a significant milestone by securing a major contract with the Romanian Ministry of Defence. This landmark agreement marks Rheinmetall’s first major order from Romania, a NATO and EU member state. Valued at approximately €328 million (excluding VAT), the contract encompasses a comprehensive modernization project for Romania’s Oerlikon GDF 103 air defence artillery systems. The package includes the delivery of four advanced systems, comprehensive training, spare parts, and various support services. Within the next two years, Rheinmetall will deliver two of these systems, with the remaining two to follow within three years.

Armin Papperger, Chairman of the Executive Board of Rheinmetall AG, expressed his enthusiasm for the contract, saying, “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.”

The systems included in the contract are equipped with cutting-edge technology and comprise:

• Oerlikon Skymaster TLCN fire control system
• X-Band Tactical Acquisition Radar 3D (X-TAR3D)
• Six 35mm GDF009 TREO Oerlikon Twin Guns, including an autoloader
• Two heavy-duty special trucks for transporting the fire control system and the tracking radar

Rheinmetall’s Skynex air defence solution, an upgraded Oerlikon anti-aircraft artillery system, is modular and flexible, designed to protect stationary objects and installations in close and short-range scenarios. It is capable of simultaneously engaging up to four targets, including ground targets, at very short range.

Cannon-based air defence solutions from the Skynex product family excel in close-range operations, especially against aerial threats like cruise missiles and drones, which guided missiles may struggle to counter effectively. The system employs Oerlikon rapid-fire automatic cannons, boasting a rate of fire of 1,100 rounds per minute and a maximum effective range of up to 4,000 meters.

The recent success of the 35mm Gepard anti-aircraft tank in Ukraine highlights the efficiency of cannon-based air defence in countering aerial threats, further underscoring the significance of short-range air defence in modern warfare.

Skynex represents a generational leap in sensor technology, networked tactical unit deployment, and integration into higher-echelon command and control systems. Its unique combat effectiveness is enhanced by Rheinmetall’s programmable time-delayed 35mm Ahead ammunition, ensuring maximum effectiveness against small, fast-moving targets.

With this contract, Rheinmetall continues to solidify its position as a global leader in advanced air defence solutions, contributing to the security and readiness of nations around the world.

Media contact:

Oliver Hoffmann
Head of Press and Public Relations
Phone: +49 211 473-4748
Fax: +49 211 473-4157

SOURCE: RHEINMETALL AG