AviationNews – Elbit Systems has inaugurated its seventh production facility in Romania, located in Chitila, to bolster European defense through the localized manufacture of advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). This expansion marks a significant step in the long-standing defense partnership between the company and the Romanian government.
The new site operates within the framework of the Watchkeeper XR program, focusing on the production, integration, and maintenance of high-tech aerial platforms. This development follows over 30 years of activity by Elbit Systems in Romania, where it currently employs more than 1,000 local professionals. The ceremony brought together high-ranking Romanian military officials and government representatives to celebrate this milestone in regional industrial cooperation.
The Chitila facility serves as a hub for the entire lifecycle of Unmanned Aerial Systems, from initial testing to long-term operational support. These platforms incorporate cutting-edge sensor technology and lessons learned from modern global conflicts to ensure high reliability. By manufacturing these drones locally, Romania enhances its national self-sufficiency, ensuring that the Romanian Armed Forces have immediate access to mission-ready equipment that is sustained by domestic expertise.
During the event, Yoram Shmueli, General Manager of Elbit Systems Aerospace, highlighted the importance of localized capability. “The facility we inaugurate today is the seventh production site Elbit has established in Romania, a clear demonstration of our long-term commitment and confidence in the local ecosystem,” he stated, noting that the Watchkeeper XR successfully completed its first flight in Romanian airspace on the day of the opening.
This investment signals a future where European nations increasingly rely on local manufacturing to secure their borders and defense interests. The technology transfer involved in this project will likely spur further innovation within the Romanian defense sector, positioning the country as a key player in the production of autonomous military systems. For the broader European market, it represents a shift toward more resilient and self-contained defense supply chains.
The opening of the Chitila plant solidifies the strategic alliance between Elbit Systems and the Romanian defense industry. As regional security demands evolve, this facility provides a sustainable foundation for advanced aerial surveillance and combat support for years to come.
