Romania is set to enhance its maritime surveillance and defense capabilities with the acquisition of twelve MQ-35A V-BAT drones from the United States. According to Hotnews Romania,The Romanian Naval Forces will receive the first batch of four drones as a donation through the U.S. Maritime Domain Awareness facility, valued at approximately $18 million, with operational deployment expected by the end of 2025. Following this initial transfer, Romania will procure two additional V-BAT systems—comprising eight drones—through a direct government-to-government agreement worth approximately $30 million.
Manufactured by U.S. defense company Shield AI, the MQ-35A V-BAT drones are designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Featuring vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities, these drones do not require runways, making them ideal for deployment on naval vessels operating in the Black Sea. Their advanced sensor package includes electro-optical and infrared cameras, AI-driven search capabilities, and automated information systems, enhancing Romania’s ability to monitor maritime activity in the region.
The V-BAT drones have proven effective in real-world operations, having been used in Ukraine against Russian electronic warfare measures. Reports indicate that these drones successfully identified enemy surface-to-air missile systems and relayed targeting data to artillery units, demonstrating their value in contested environments. Shield AI has also confirmed ongoing discussions about integrating laser-guided munitions into the V-BAT system, potentially expanding its role to include combat support operations.
This acquisition aligns with Romania’s broader defense modernization efforts, which include new minehunters, maritime patrol vessels, intervention ships, and upgrades to naval assets such as frigates and missile carriers. The deployment of V-BAT drones is expected to significantly enhance Romania’s situational awareness and security posture in the Black Sea, a region of growing geopolitical importance.