F-35 sale to Romania approved
September 16, 2024
On 14 September 2024 the US Defense Security Co-operation Agency (DSCA) announced that it had approved a possible sale of up to 32 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II aircraft to Romania, to equip two squadrons, for delivery from 2030-2031. The US $7.2 Bn procurement will include communications and navigation, systems, as well as a training, and technical and logistical support package, and represents the most expensive defence acquisition in Romania’s history.
US 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 defence 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 defence capabilities and enhance interoperability among NATO air forces.”
The Romanian Air Force currently operates 17 F-16 A/B fighters purchased second-hand from Portugal between 2016 and 2021, and modernized to MLU standards (M5.2R configuration), and has purchased a further 32 F-16 MLU aircraft from the Kingdom of Norway for a reported US $400 million. Another FMS was approved last year for the modernization of the additional 32 F-16s, at a total cost of $105 million.
These will allow Romania to have three F-16 squadrons, at Câmpia Turzii and Fetesti Air Base. Nine of the ex-Norwegian F-16s have been delivered, and the remainder are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025. The F-16s will serve for about ten years, bridging the gap to the F-35s becoming fully operational.
Romania hopes to purchase 16 additional F-35s, giving a state-of-the-art fighter fleet based on the F-35A Lightning II, though there is no timeline for this acquisition.
Romania joins eight other NATO F-16 operators in ordering the F-35A. In addition to the US itself, the Belgian Air Component has 34 F-35As planned, the Royal Danish Air Force has 27 F-35As planned, the Hellenic Air Force has 20 F-35As on order, with an option for 20 more, and the Royal Netherlands Air Force has ordered 52 F-35As. The Royal Norwegian Air Force also has 52 F-35As planned while the Polish Air Force has ordered 32 F-35A Block 4 aircraft, and plans for an additional 32 aircraft. The Italian Air Force has 60 F-35As and 15 F-35Bs on order for the Italian Air Force, and 15 F-35Bs for the Italian Navy.
The Czech Air Force has a DSCA approval for the purchase of 24 F-35As, while the Portuguese Air Force has outlined a plan to replace its remaining F-16s with the F-35A. Other NATO F-35 operators include Canada (88 on order), Finland (64 ordered), Germany (on order, with ten more under consideration), and the UK (48 ordered, of 74 required).
Gen. James Hecker, Commander, US Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa noted that: “The F-35 has been one of the most effective integration tools for NATO since the end of the Cold War.”
