The Romanian Ministry of Defense has entered a procurement agreement for advanced drone systems under the SAFE program. Minister Radu Miruță announced this significant development, which focuses on enhancing surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities for the military.
Details of the Drone Procurement Deal
This contract, signed with Quantum Systems, is valued at €30.7 million, excluding VAT. It includes the delivery of:
- 34 Mini UAS class I systems (Vector)
- 15 Scorpion kits, enabling transformation from fixed-wing to multicopter configurations
All systems are scheduled for delivery by 2027. They will support surveillance missions and bolster the existing capabilities of the Romanian Army.
Ministerial Insights and Program Goals
During his announcement on Facebook, Minister Miruță emphasized that these drones are part of a broader industrial cooperation initiative in Romania. He acknowledged administrative challenges in the procurement process but expressed confidence in overcoming obstacles that could delay military modernization efforts.
About the Mini UAS Class I System
Quantum Systems describes the Vector AI, a next-generation sUAS eVTOL system, as a cutting-edge technology refined through thousands of hours of operational military missions, including deployments in Ukraine. The system features:
- Electric vertical take-off and landing capability
- High-resolution real-time image transmission
- Open architecture for continuous functional upgrades
- Onboard processing power and artificial intelligence for consistent performance
This versatility allows the Vector AI to operate effectively in various conditions, ensuring extended flight and surveillance autonomy. The design allows it to operate as both a fixed-wing drone and a multicopter, utilizing the same core components without requiring hardware modifications.
With this procurement, the Romanian Ministry of Defense aims to enhance its operational capabilities and ensure a robust defense system for the future.
