USA Announces Pending Sale of F-35A Fighters to Romania

The U.S. State Department announced on Friday the approval of a major arms sale to Romania, involving 32 F-35A Joint Strike Fighters.

The deal, valued at approximately $6.4 billion, represents a significant step for Romania as it strengthens its defence capabilities.

The agreement includes the acquisition of Pratt & Whitney’s F135 engines, which will power each F-35A jet, as well as a spare engine for added operational flexibility. This sale will equip Romania, a NATO member, with its first two squadrons of these advanced stealth fighters, further enhancing the country’s air defence capabilities.

Romania’s defence ministry has indicated that this initial purchase is part of a larger plan to bolster its air force. The country has expressed its intention to acquire an additional 16 F-35 jets in the future, which would enable the formation of a third squadron.

If finalised, this would make Romania the third Eastern European nation to operate the F-35, joining Poland and the Czech Republic. The F-35 is known for its cutting-edge technology, including stealth capabilities, advanced sensors, and high interoperability with other NATO forces, making it a highly sought-after asset among NATO allies.

Romania is expected to receive its first F-35s by 2031, according to statements made by the country’s officials in September 2023. This timeline positions Romania to significantly upgrade its air force in the coming years, addressing both current security concerns and future defence challenges.

In the context of rising geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe, particularly with Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine, Romania’s acquisition of the F-35s underscores the country’s commitment to bolstering its defence posture. The purchase would not only strengthen Romania’s own military but also contribute to NATO’s overall defence capabilities on its eastern flank.

U.S. Ambassador to Romania Kathleen Kavalec stated, “This commitment is a testament to the strong partnership between our two nations and demonstrates once again that Romania’s leadership in the defence of regional security.

“Romania is a key NATO Ally in promoting security and stability in the Black Sea region and beyond. The F-35As will provide Romania with unparalleled air defence capabilities and enhance interoperability among NATO air forces.”

Romania’s planned F-35 acquisition could eventually make it the largest operator of the aircraft on NATO’s eastern front, a strategic move that reflects the growing emphasis on enhancing collective defense measures in the region.

The F-35’s advanced features will allow Romania to better respond to a wide array of threats, from air superiority missions to ground attack and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. The aircraft’s interoperability with other NATO platforms will also improve joint operations and ensure smoother coordination with other allied forces, including those of the United States.

The U.S. State Department highlighted that the sale would position Romania to take on a more prominent role in regional security, significantly boosting the country’s self-defence capabilities and enabling it to contribute more effectively to NATO’s collective defence strategy.

This acquisition aligns with U.S. foreign policy objectives, as strengthening a key NATO ally supports broader national security goals. In particular, it reinforces the U.S.’s commitment to ensuring the security and stability of Europe, especially in the face of growing challenges from Russia.

In addition to the jets and engines, the proposed deal also includes a comprehensive support package.

This will cover logistics, maintenance, navigation, communication, and cryptographic systems. It will also provide a range of armaments, including advanced ammunition and weapons tailored for the F-35.

Romania’s defence personnel, including pilots and maintenance crews, will receive extensive training, ensuring they can operate and maintain the new aircraft effectively. Simulators will also be provided to facilitate ongoing training and skill development.

The F-35s for Romania will be primarily manufactured at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth, Texas, facility, which serves as the central production site for the F-35 program. Lockheed Martin is one of the leading defence contractors in the U.S., and its F-35 platform is recognised as the most advanced multi-role fighter jet in the world.

The successful sale of these jets to Romania not only strengthens the defence relationship between the U.S. and Romania but also reflects the importance of maintaining a robust NATO alliance, particularly as Europe continues to face heightened security risks.