Romania will spend $410 million to buy Israeli-British Watchkeeper X drones - they can reach speeds of 150 km/h and fly for up to 14 hours

Romania will soon receive Watchkeeper X drones. The drones are designed for reconnaissance.

Here's What We Know

The Romanian Ministry of Defense has signed a contract with the Israeli company Elbit Systems for the delivery of seven Watchkeeper X drones. The cost of the contract is $410 million. The UAVs will be delivered over five years. Maintenance of the drones will be done in Romania by local companies.

This drone is a modification of Hermes 450, developed specially for British Royal Air Force. Watchkeeper X can be integrated into the army of any country of the North Atlantic Alliance, as it meets NATO standards.

Formally the manufacturer of the drone is the company U-TacS. Elbit Systems and Thales UK own 51% and 49% shares respectively.

The Watchkeeper X can reach speeds of up to 150 km in flight. It has a maximum flight time of 14 hours and a peak altitude of 4.9 km. The unmanned aerial vehicle is capable of lifting a payload of about 500 kg into the air.

Source: Defense News
Image: Army MoD UK