Romania signs two major SAFE-financed contracts in defense, infrastructure | Romania Insider
AI Analysis
Romania has signed two contracts funded by the EU's SAFE program: one for 34 Mini UAS Class I drones and 15 Scorpion kits (valued at EUR 30.7 million) from German manufacturer Quantum Systems, and another for a section of the A8 highway. The drones are intended for surveillance and will be delivered in 2027, complementing existing Romanian Army assets and a co-production project.
Key Takeaways
- Romania procured 34 Mini UAS Class I drones and 15 Scorpion kits from Quantum Systems for EUR 30.7 million.
- The drones feature both fixed-wing and multicopter configurations via the 'Scorpion' kits.
- Delivery of the drones is scheduled for 2027 and will be used for surveillance missions.
- Quantum Systems, a German company, has a subsidiary in Romania and is known for drones used in Ukraine.
- A separate EUR 748.6 million contract was awarded to FCC Construcción for a section of the A8 highway, framed as a security investment.
Why It Matters
This procurement signals Romania's commitment to modernizing its surveillance capabilities and bolstering its defense infrastructure, likely in response to regional security concerns. The selection of Quantum Systems, a company with experience in Ukraine, suggests a focus on battle-tested and adaptable drone technology. The highway project is being explicitly linked to national security, indicating a broader trend of dual-use infrastructure development.
Romania signs two major SAFE-financed contracts in defense, infrastructure | Romania Insider
Romania signs two major SAFE-financed contracts for drones, A8 highway section
28 May 2026
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Update: A third contract financed through the SAFE program was announced on Friday, May 29, by Romania’s National Road Investment Company. The authority signed the contract for section 3 of the A8 highway Lețcani (DN28) – DN 24 (Iași) with Spanish builder FCC Construcción. The contract is valued at RON 3.93 billion (EUR 748.6 million), excluding VAT.
Gabriel Budescu, head of the Romanian authority, said that the contractor is one of the largest in Spain, with a relevant portfolio of works in Romania. “However, we warn all contractors that the deadlines for the A8 Highway are already tight, and we will not accept any deviation from the contractual deadlines. Once the commencement orders are issued, we expect a proper work schedule,” he added.
The project includes 18 bridges and overpasses, 6 tunnels and a tunnel monitoring center, and 2 junctions. The duration of the contract is 46 months, of which 10 months are for the design phase and 36 months for construction works.
Once completed, the new section will function as a European-standard bypass in the northern area of the municipality.
“The development of the A8 Highway in Iași County means more than infrastructure: it means connectivity and mobility at European standards, narrowing the development gap between historical regions, and a major investment in Romania’s security,” according to the CNIR press release.
Initial story: Romanian interim defence minister Radu Miruță announced on Thursday, May 27, the signing of two contracts financed through the EU-backed Security Action for Europe SAFE program aimed at defence and dual-use infrastructure.
Surveillance drones
The first contract, valued at EUR 30.7 million, is for 34 Mini UAS Class I drones and 15 Scorpion kits, which transform the drones from a ‘fixed-wing’ configuration into a ‘multicopter’ configuration. All 34 drones will be delivered in 2027 and will be used in surveillance missions.
According to the minister, the contracted systems add to those already in the Romanian Army’s equipment and are complementary to the co-production project in the country. He also emphasized that the equipment will complement the Romanian Army’s existing assets and is part of an industrial cooperation project in Romania.
Quantum Systems is a German manufacturer of advanced drones and autonomous systems, founded in 2015. The company specializes in VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) aircraft and is known for integrating artificial intelligence and advanced sensors into its drones, which are also used in Ukraine. Quantum Systems has several international operations, including in Romania, where it has a subsidiary in Bucharest, as well as in Germany, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, and Australia.
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