IRIA News

The U.S. State Department has announced the approval to sell 32 F-35A Joint Strike Fighters to Romania. The landmark deal, valued at approximately $7.2 billion, will not only strengthen Romania’s military capabilities but also reinforce NATO’s defense posture on its increasingly strategic eastern flank, amid heightened security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The sale also includes F135 engines produced by Pratt & Whitney, one of the top defense contractors in the U.S. The deal will provide Romania with 32 engines to match each jet, along with a spare engine. This purchase will allow Romania to establish its first two squadrons of F-35 fighters, with plans to expand further.

The Romanian government has also indicated that it intends to buy an additional 16 jets to form a third squadron, potentially making Romania one of NATO’s largest operators of advanced aircraft on the alliance’s eastern front.

If the deal goes through, Romania will join Poland and the Czech Republic as the only Eastern European nations currently operating F-35s. This move signals Romania’s increasing commitment to modernizing its military and improving its ability to respond to evolving threats in the region. Romania had earlier stated in September 2023 that it expected to receive its first batch of F-35s by 2030.

The F-35, regarded as one of the world’s most advanced multi-role fighter jets, is a crucial asset for countries seeking to bolster their defense capabilities. Its stealth features, superior maneuverability, advanced sensors, and ability to carry a range of weapons make it ideal for a variety of missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. The F-35’s versatility and interoperability with other NATO aircraft have made it the fighter of choice for many NATO member states looking to modernize their fleets.

The U.S. State Department, in its announcement, highlighted the strategic importance of this sale to the security of both Romania and the broader NATO alliance. “The proposed sale will improve Romania’s capability to meet current and future threats by further equipping it to conduct self-defense and regional security missions while enhancing interoperability with the United States and other NATO members,” the State Department said in a statement.

The department further emphasized that strengthening Romania’s military aligns with U.S. foreign policy goals, particularly as Washington continues to focus on countering Russian aggression and reassuring its Eastern European allies of its support.

Beyond the fighter jets and engines, the deal also includes a comprehensive package of logistical and maintenance support, navigation and communications systems, cryptographic equipment, and weapons and ammunition.

Romania will also receive extensive training for pilots and ground personnel, as well as access to simulators to prepare its forces for the operation of the advanced F-35. Lockheed Martin primarily manufactures these aircraft at its production facility in Fort Worth, Texas, one of the company’s key hubs for military aircraft development.

Romania’s defense modernization comes at a critical time, as the country is located in a region that has become a focal point for NATO’s deterrence efforts. With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine destabilizing the region, Romania has been seeking to increase its defense capabilities and ensure it is prepared for any potential spillover effects of the conflict. The addition of the F-35 to Romania’s fleet will improve its air capabilities and increase its standing within NATO, solidifying its role as a key player in the defense of Europe.

In a related development, the U.S. State Department also cleared a $4.1 billion deal for Japan to purchase up to nine KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling tankers from Boeing. These tankers, designed to extend the range of fighter jets and other aircraft, are another example of the growing demand for advanced military hardware. Japan’s purchase will further enhance its ability to project air power and strengthen its defense partnership with the United States.

Together, these two deals underscore the importance of strengthening military alliances and modernizing equipment in a world where geopolitical threats are becoming increasingly complex. For Romania, the acquisition of the F-35 marks a major step forward in its defense capabilities, positioning the country as a vital component of NATO’s strategy to protect Europe from emerging threats.