Romania strengthens defence with $6.5bn F‑35 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 defence contracts in Romania's history. Thanks to acquiring the F-35A Lightning II, and previously the F-16, Romania is now able to retire Soviet-era aircraft.
More F-16 fighters are progressively being delivered to Romania, purchased from Norway. These join the 17 aircraft Romania had already received earlier from Portugal. The F-16s have been replacing older aircraft such as the Soviet MiG-21 in the Romanian air force. However, the F-16s serve as a temporary solution until Romania secures the full complement of F-35A Lightning II fighters.
Romania buys F-35A Lightning II
The purchase of modern American fighters, a move also backed by countries like Poland, was confirmed through the signing of the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme. The document was signed by the Romanian Defence Minister Angelo Tilvar and the US Ambassador to Romania, Kathleen Kavalec.
"This is the most important defence contract signed by Romania since the revolution in 1989," stated Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, as quoted by the media.
Meanwhile, according to the portal Hotnews.ro, this is the most expensive military purchase in Romania's history. The contract, valued at approximately $6.5 billion, includes the purchase of 32 aircraft, logistical support, training, as well as spare parts and ammunition. The first F-35A Lightning II aircraft are expected to 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 enabling 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 cannon.
The Romanians emphasise that these advanced combat aircraft represent the pinnacle of aviation technology worldwide, offering interoperability with NATO allies. The F-35s are essential in modern military operations due to their speed (reaching up to 1.8 Mach, which is over 2,200 km/h) and agility. According to the Romanian Defence Minister's declaration, they will symbolise the strength of the Romanian air force in the Black Sea region and form a key element of the national defence strategy.
