Romania Expected to Sign for 32 F-35A Fighter Jets by This Fall.

Romania is set to acquire advanced F-35 fighter jets from the United States. Defense Minister Angel Tilvar announced on July 16, 2024, plans to sign an intergovernmental agreement this fall to acquire 32 of these advanced Lockheed Martin aircraft at an estimated cost of $6.5 billion. The contract will include not only the jets but also comprehensive logistics, training services, flight simulators, and ammunition. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 421st Fighter Squadron while conducting Agile Combat Employment (ACE) rehearsals, June 30, 2022 (Picture source: US DoD)

The F-35A Lightning II, the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant of the F-35, is a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter developed by Lockheed Martin for the United States and allied air forces. The F-35A first flew on December 15, 2006, and entered service with the U.S. Air Force in August 2016. As of 2024, hundreds of F-35As have been produced and delivered, with plans for thousands more across U.S. and international partners. The primary production location is Lockheed Martin's facility in Fort Worth, Texas, supported by a global supply chain contributing parts and assemblies.

The F-35A combines advanced stealth capabilities with the latest avionics and sensor technology, enabling it to operate in high-threat environments that older fighter jets cannot survive. It features an AESA radar, advanced electronic warfare capabilities to detect and jam enemy radar and communications, and high-speed data networking including the Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL). The aircraft is designed for a wide range of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance. Its internal weapons bay contributes to its stealth profile, capable of carrying a mix of air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and smart bombs. The F-35A also continuously receives software upgrades to enhance its capabilities and adapt to emerging threats.

A NATO member since 2004 and also a member of the European Union, Romania is keen to modernize its military hardware amid growing regional tensions. The nation, which shares a 650-kilometer border with Ukraine, has experienced several security incidents, including stray fragments of Russian drones as Moscow continues its assault on Ukrainian ports across the Danube River. In response to the ongoing conflict, Romania announced in June its commitment to donate a Patriot air defense system to Ukraine, as part of a broader NATO support that includes five such systems and other strategic air defense units.

The acquisition of the F-35 jets is part of Romania's long-term defense strategy. The first delivery of these aircraft is not expected before 2030. In the meantime, Romania has enhanced its air force capabilities by integrating 32 second-hand F-16 fighter jets from Norway, adding to the 17 acquired from Portugal since 2016. These measures underscore Romania's effort to maintain a robust defense posture in a region marked by instability. Since 2022, Romania has shown interest in acquiring F-35As, and a $6.5 billion acquisition plan had already been announced in November 2023.

This purchase marks a historic milestone for Romania as it represents the largest defense contract in the country's history. The Defense Minister confirmed that a Letter of Request had been sent to Washington in September of the previous year, initiating the acquisition process for the F-35A aircraft. The response from the United States will outline the framework for the upcoming contract, setting the stage for a significant upgrade to Romania's aerial combat capabilities.