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Romania has announced that it will become the first European country to acquire Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system, marking a significant step in the modernization of its military and strengthening NATO’s eastern defensive posture.

Romanian Defense Minister Ionuț Moșteanu confirmed the decision during a televised interview with national broadcaster TVR on July 10. He stated that the country plans to sign a formal contract in the autumn of 2025 for the purchase of several Iron Dome batteries from Israel. The systems will be deployed to protect military bases, airports, key urban centers, and critical infrastructure.

The Iron Dome is a mobile, all-weather short-range and very short-range air defense system designed to intercept and destroy rockets, artillery shells, mortars (C-RAM), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and cruise missiles. Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries, it has been operational since 2011 and has demonstrated a combat success rate exceeding 90 percent. The system uses real-time decision-making to identify and intercept threats that are likely to strike populated or strategically valuable areas.

Romania’s planned acquisition will include the full Iron Dome architecture: the EL/M-2084 multi-mission radar, the Tamir interceptor missiles, and command and control units. These components will form part of Romania’s short-range and very short-range air defense strategy.

Minister Moșteanu emphasized the relevance of Israel’s experience, citing the system’s role in protecting Tel Aviv from Iranian missile attacks. He noted that Romania, as a NATO frontline state with shared borders with Ukraine and Moldova and a coastline along the Black Sea, must bolster its defensive capabilities in response to growing regional security threats.

Nearly 30 percent of Romania’s 2025 defense budget is being allocated to military procurement. In addition to the Iron Dome, the country is investing in other platforms, including mobile SHORAD systems and naval corvettes.

The move also supports NATO’s broader air defense infrastructure. Romania already hosts the Aegis Ashore ballistic missile defense system at Deveselu and has been enhancing its interoperability with NATO allies. The addition of Iron Dome is expected to further integrate Romania into NATO’s layered air and missile defense system and may serve as a precedent for other European nations evaluating Israeli technologies for homeland defense.

With this procurement, Romania is positioning itself at the forefront of NATO’s defense strategy in Eastern Europe, signaling both a technological leap in air defense and a deepening of its strategic ties with Israel. The finalized contract is expected later this year.