TSAMTO, September 27. Romania plans to purchase 32 F-35 "Lightning-2" fighter jets of the American company Lockheed Martin, the cost of which is estimated at $ 6.5 billion, Reuters reported on September 26, citing Romania's Ministry of Defense.
Romania, which borders Ukraine, this year increased its defense budget from 2% to 2.5% of GDP in order to increase the pace of modernization of outdated military equipment. As part of the strengthening of the aviation component, in November 2022, the Romanian Ministry of Defense signed a contract worth 388 million euros for the purchase of 32 F-16 fighters from the Norwegian Armed Forces in addition to 17 aircraft of this type purchased starting in 2016.
In July 2023, Romania announced the creation of a regional F-16 pilot training center, which will eventually be available to NATO allies and partners, as well as Ukraine.
Last year, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis announced for the first time that Romania was considering the possibility of acquiring Lockheed Martin F-35 aircraft.
In April 2023, the Supreme Council of National Defense of Romania CSAT (Consiliul Suprem de Aparare a Tarii) at its meeting approved the purchase of inconspicuous F-35 "Lightning-2" fighters to strengthen the country's air defense. The Council did not specify the quantity, timing and cost of the purchase.
Now the purchase must be approved by the Romanian Parliament. The Romanian Air Force Command expects to begin using the first squadron of aircraft after 2030. To do this, it is necessary to start implementing preparatory measures already in 2023.
The agreement is expected to include logistics and training services, the supply of exercise aircraft, related equipment and ammunition. The contract will include an option to purchase 16 more F-35 aircraft. According to estimates, the contracts are unlikely to be signed before next year.
