Romanian MoD Seeks Parliamentary Approval to Buy 32 F-35 Jets for $6.5B

Romania's defense ministry has asked its parliament for approval to buy 32 F-35 military planes from the United States, with a budget of approximately $6.5 billion.

The decision to purchase F-35s was made during a meeting held by Supreme Council for National Defense (CSAT) in April. The purchase will occur in two phases: 32 planes in the first phase and 16 more in the second, reports G4Media.ro.

The proposed budget includes funds for acquiring aircraft, engines, logistical support, pilot and personnel training services, and flight simulators. It also encompasses specialized munitions for air-to-air combat and air-to-ground strikes.

According to the law, the Ministry of Defense must seek parliamentary approval for any acquisition exceeding €100 million. Currently, Romania's Air Force operates F-16 military aircraft procured from Portugal, and they are in the process of acquiring another fleet of F-16s from Norway.

The F-35 fighter jets, produced by the American company Lockheed Martin, represent a more modern aircraft. They are single-seat, single-engine multi-role combat planes designed for all-weather conditions. They come equipped with electronic warfare, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. Lockheed Martin serves as the primary contractor for the F-35, collaborating with key partners such as Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems.