The U.S. State Department has decided to approve a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Romanian Government for fifth generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and related equipment, for an estimated cost of 7.2 billion dollars.
According to the release by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the Romanian Government requested the purchase of:
- 32 F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL) aircraft;
- 33 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines (32 installed, 1 spare);
In addition to the two squadrons of F-35A aircrafts, the procurement package includes a wide range of equipment and services essential to the operation and maintenance of the fleet. These include communication systems, navigation, training, technical and logistical support, and other elements necessary to ensure the full operability and safety of the fleet.
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 defense 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 defense capabilities and enhance interoperability among NATO air forces.”
Romanian Air Force modernizes
In recent years, the Romanian Air Force (RoAF) undertook an ambitious modernization process of its fighter fleet. It currently has 17 F-16 A/B fighters purchased second-hand from Portugal between 2016 and 2021, modernized to MLU standard in M5.2R configuration, which gives it similar capabilities to the F-16 Block 50/52.
But in view of the growing tension on the European eastern flank and the obsolescence of its MiG-21 LanceR fleet, Romania decided to increase its air combat capability with the purchase, from the Kingdom of Norway, of a fleet of 32 F-16 MLU. The RoAF’s plan is to have these aircraft operational for approximately 10 years, while awaiting the arrival of the first F-35s from 2031. The F-16s will work side-by-side with the new F-35 stealth fighters during this transition period, before being fully decommissioned. The ultimate goal is to have a state-of-the-art fleet based on the F-35A Lightning II.
