Romania to Buy F-35A Jets for Over $6B in 2024: Report

Romania is planning to allocate $6.5 billion for the acquisition of two squadrons of F-35A fighters this year, as part of a $13 billion military modernization effort.

This initiative represents a record financial commitment for the Romanian Armed Forces, with spending expected to be distributed over several years, according to Ziarul Financiar.

In 2024 alone, Romania's defense ministry will enter contracts exceeding €3 billion. In addition to the F-35As, agreements will be finalized for the purchase of Mistral 3 man-portable air defense systems, valued at €662 million. The defense budget also includes acquisitions of various aviation weapons such as AIM-9X ($90 million), AIM-120 ($150 million), and GBU-39/B SDB precision bombs ($60 million).

Other procurements include laser-guided aerial bombs for British Watchkeeper XR drones, SwitchBlade 300/600 loitering munitions, Javelin anti-tank missile systems, and ATACMS ballistic missiles for HIMARS. Contracts will also cover the purchase of artillery ammunition and the modernization of missile ships.

Furthermore, Romania is considering the purchase of two maritime patrol ships with a projected budget of €300 million. This comes after last year’s cancellation of a contract with the French company Naval Group for four Gowind 2500 corvettes, due to the company's failure to meet contractual deadlines.