Israel's Elbit Systems is preparing to start delivery of Watchkeeper X drones to Romania under a $428.75 million contract, the company said on Monday, after the Romanian defense minister threatened last week to cancel the deal due to delays.
The deal for seven unmanned aircraft systems was signed in 2022, with deliveries due to start in 2025.
"Despite the challenges arising from the exceptional security situation in Israel, which has been recognized as a force majeure event by the company's customers worldwide, the project has been given high priority," Elbit Systems said in an emailed response to Reuters queries.
"The systems are ready to undergo final acceptance tests in Romania toward the end of April, subject to approval by the Romanian regulatory authorities."
It said the drones were being manufactured in Romania.
Romania facing Russian drones as war with Ukraine continues
Romania, a European Union and NATO member, shares a 650‑km (400-mile) land border with Ukraine and has had drones breach its airspace and fragments fall onto its territory since Russia began attacking Ukrainian ports located across the Danube from Romania.