Romania’s parliament approved a bill authorising contracts for the purchase of the world’s most advanced fighter jet, the F-35, with the first delivery expected in 2031, according to Euractiv.
The vote follows a decision by the Supreme National Defence Council (CSAT) in April 2023, which approved Romania’s purchase of US F-35 aircraft. The $6.5 billion package includes pilot training support, flight simulators, as well as air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions.
The US State Department approved the potential sale of 32 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets to Romania on 15 September. US Ambassador to Bucharest Kathleen Kavalec stated:
The F-35 will provide Romania with unparalleled air defence capabilities and enhance interoperability among NATO air forces.
Funding will come from the state budget through allocations to the Ministry of National Defence. The Defence Ministry and the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism also intend to negotiate with the F-35 manufacturer to support industrial co-operation projects.
In anticipation of F-35 deliveries, Romania reinforced its air defence, acquiring 32 F-16 fighters from Norway and buying 17 F-16s from Portugal since 2016.
