Romania secures future with $6.5 billion F‑35 fighter deal
Romania and the USA have signed an agreement for Bucharest to purchase 32 fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighters. This marks one of the most significant defense contracts in Romania's history. With the acquisition of the F-35A Lightning II, and earlier the F-16, Romania is positioned to phase out Soviet-era aircraft.
More F-16 fighters are systematically arriving in Romania, purchased from Norway. They join 17 of these aircraft that Romania previously received from Portugal. It was the F-16s that replaced aircraft like the Soviet MiG-21 in the Romanian air force. However, the F-16s are just a temporary measure until Romania secures all the F-35A Lightning II fighters.
Romania buys F-35A Lightning II
The purchase of these modern American fighters, which countries like Poland also support, was confirmed by signing the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) procedure. Romanian Defence Minister Angel Tilvar and US Ambassador to Romania Kathleen Kavalec signed the document.
"This is the most important defence contract signed by Romania since the revolution in 1989," said Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, as quoted by the media.
Meanwhile, according to the portal Hotnews.ro, this is Romania's most expensive military purchase. The contract, amounting to approximately $6.5 billion, includes purchasing 32 aircraft, logistical support, training, and spare parts and ammunition. The first F-35A Lightning II aircraft will arrive in Romania around 2030.
One of the most advanced combat aircraft
The Americans developed this aircraft as a multi-role fighter with stealth capabilities, meaning it is difficult to detect by enemy radars. Additionally, it is equipped with tools allowing for electronic warfare operations.
However, it can also carry conventional weapons, including guided bombs, AIM-9X Sidewinder and AIM-132 ASRAAM air-to-air missiles, and air-to-ground missiles such as AGM-65 Maverick or Storm Shadow. It features a standard 25 mm gun.
The Romanians emphasize that these advanced combat aircraft represent the pinnacle of aviation technology worldwide, offering interoperability capabilities with NATO allies. The F-35s are deemed essential in modern military operations due to their speed (reaching speeds up to 1.8 Mach, over 2,200 km/h) and agility. According to the Romanian Defence Minister's declaration, they will not only symbolize the power of the Romanian air force in the Black Sea region but also be a key element of the national defence strategy.
