Romania Selects Thales for Deployable Radar Systems Through 2030

Romania’s Ministry of National Defense has selected Thales to deliver deployable primary and secondary radar systems for civil and military airspace operations. Announced on October 28, 2026, the multiannual contract combines approach-control, surveillance, identification, and precision-approach equipment. The reported package comprises four Ground Controlled Approach Radar Systems, one STAR NG primary surveillance radar, an RSM NG/IFF system, and four Precision Approach Radars. Neither the contract value nor a solicitation number was disclosed, limiting public visibility into the procurement’s scale and acquisition history.

The systems are intended to support air traffic control and military aviation operations across different sites. Thales says the Ground Controlled Approach Radar Systems will provide controllers with real-time aircraft-position information, helping manage approaches and recoveries when visual references are limited. The STAR NG is a scalable S-Band Primary Surveillance Radar designed for Approach Control, with coverage of up to 60 nautical miles. The RSM NG/IFF combines NATO Mode 5 and EUROCONTROL Mode S interrogation with ADS-B detection in a single system, integrating several identification and detection functions.

Four Precision Approach Radars will support the safe and accurate control of aircraft during approach and landing in all weather conditions. Together, the systems are expected to strengthen the Romanian Air Force’s ability to operate from different sites and reduce reliance on fixed airbase infrastructure. For procurement professionals, that operational objective points to a requirement for deployable equipment and integration suited to multiple locations, alongside capabilities that connect air surveillance, identification, and approach control. The source does not specify deployment locations, support arrangements, or related infrastructure requirements.

The schedule extends deliveries through 2030, creating a multi-year implementation horizon for Thales and potential planning visibility for suppliers whose products or services complement radar deployment and integration. Companies considering Romanian defense or aviation opportunities can use the named system types and standards as indicators of relevant technical areas, while avoiding assumptions that a follow-on procurement has been announced. No separate solicitation or additional award was reported. Prospective suppliers should monitor official Romanian procurement and defense channels for any published notices concerning supporting equipment, integration, maintenance, or other requirements; those possibilities are areas to watch, not confirmed opportunities.

• Buyer: Romania’s Ministry of National Defense selected Thales under a multiannual contract.
• Mission: The systems are intended to support both civil and military airspace operations.
• Ground approach capability: The package includes four Ground Controlled Approach Radar Systems providing controllers real-time aircraft-position information for approaches and recoveries when visual references are limited.
• Primary surveillance: The STAR NG is a scalable S-Band Primary Surveillance Radar for Approach Control, with coverage of up to 60 nautical miles.
• Identification and detection: The RSM NG/IFF combines NATO Mode 5 and EUROCONTROL Mode S interrogation with ADS-B detection in one system.
• Precision approach: Thales will deliver four Precision Approach Radars to support aircraft approaches and landings in all weather conditions.
• Operational effect: The technologies are expected to enable the Romanian Air Force to operate from different sites and reduce reliance on fixed airbase infrastructure.
• Schedule and disclosure: Deliveries are scheduled to end by 2030; the contract value and solicitation number were not reported.
• Supplier planning: The multiannual timeline may help complementary suppliers assess relevant integration and deployment capabilities, but no separate follow-on opportunity or solicitation was announced.