War in Gaza disrupts delivery of Watchkeeper X drones to Romania

29 October, 2024 Watchkeeper X drone from Elbit Systems.

2021. Photo from open sources The Israeli company Elbit Systems will not be able to deliver Watchkeeper X drones to the Romanian Ministry of National Defence in time, citing the war in the Gaza Strip.

The Romanian publication DeFapt reported on this. DeFapt, citing its own sources, reports that Elbit Systems is no longer able to fulfill the contract on time despite receiving a deposit. In December 2022, the Romanian Ministry of National Defence signed a framework agreement worth RON 1.891 billion (£411.20 million) to purchase seven Watchkeeper X unmanned systems from the Israeli company Elbit Systems.

At the time of signing the contract, it was reported that each system would include 3 UAVs, which means 21 drones. It was planned to produce a UAV airframe, a ground control center container, and a number of electrical and mechanical elements in Romania. Subsequently, on June 19, 2023, the first firm contract was signed, under which three Watchkeeper X unmanned systems were ordered.

The contract was worth approximately RON 825 million (£179.40 million). Within the contract, the Ministry of National Defence paid an advance of almost RON 300 million (£65.24 million). At the same time, Elbit Systems undertook to fulfill the order fully by June 19, 2025.

The first tests of the new drones were scheduled for spring 2025. However, Elbit Systems filed a request with the customer for a declaration of force majeure, claiming that the war in the Gaza Strip had affected Elbit's ability to fulfill its contractual obligations and that they could no longer meet the delivery dates for the three unmanned systems. DeFapt asked Elbit Systems to comment on this decision.

However, Elbit representatives said they did not wish to comment on the matter. At the same time, the Romanian Ministry of National Defence told the media that it is considering this request and has not yet imposed penalties for failure to fulfill the contract.

Watchkeeper X drone

Watchkeeper X drone from Elbit Systems, 2021.

Photo from open sources

The Watchkeeper X drone is an export version of the British Army's WK450, manufactured by Elbit's subsidiary in the UK - UAV Tactical Systems Limited (U-TacS).

The main upgrade will be a Spectro XR multispectral electro-optical sensor, new communication, radar, and weapon capabilities.