Romania is using European Union SAFE funding to strengthen both its military aviation and surveillance capabilities. The country has placed an order for 12 Airbus H225M multi-role helicopters through France’s defense procurement agency, with the acquisition valued at around €757 million ($847 million). Initial logistics support and training for personnel are included in the package.The H225M fleet will partly replace Romania’s older IAR-330 Puma helicopters, which are currently used for standard military tasks and special operations. Romania plans to configure the new aircraft for ground-attack missions as well as reconnaissance, surveillance, tactical protection and specialized airborne assaults, with operations supported during both day and night.This is the second Romanian procurement project approved under the European Commission’s SAFE initiative. The earlier project covers 12 Thales GM200 MM/A surveillance radars at an estimated cost of €247 million ($277 million).These radars use 4D active electronically scanned array technology and are designed to detect and track aerial threats, including unmanned aircraft, conventional aircraft and missiles, at distances of up to 350 kilometers (217 miles). As part of the radar program, Thales will create a Radar Competence Centre intended to strengthen local industrial capacity and specialist knowledge. Delivery of the first radar is expected in 2027.
