Romania to buy 32 F-35 fifth-generation fighters

The Romanian Air Force will replace its current fleet of F-16 MLU fighters with 32 F-35 stealth jets for US$6.5 billion.

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According to Reuters, Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tilvar announced that the deal for the purchase of the F-35s began to be outlined in April, after Romania’s Supreme Defense Council (CSAT) authorized the eventual purchase. Minister Tilvar said he was now asking Parliament to agree to start the formal purchase process this year, with the expectation of reaching the signing of a contract next year.

NATO member Romania decided to increase defense spending from 2% to 2.5% of gross domestic product this year in response to the deterioration of the security situation on its eastern front following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. With that extra budget it seeks to modernize its armed forces. And the F-35A Lightning II is a key part of that plan.

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F-16 for 10 years, and then the F-35

The Romanian Air Force (RoAF) currently has 17 F-16 A/B fighter aircraft purchased second-hand from Portugal between 2016 and 2021, upgraded to MLU standard in M5.2R configuration, which gives it similar capabilities to the F-16 Block 50/52.

To replace its aging MiG-21 LanceRs, which were practically no longer flying because their operational safety had fallen to dangerous levels, Romania agreed with Norway to purchase a fleet of 32 second-hand F-16s, which they plan to take out another decade of operational service, while awaiting the arrival of the F-35s from the 2030s onwards.

See also: Norway closed sale of 32 F-16 MLU fighters to Romania

The draft agreement includes logistics and training services, flight simulators and ammunition along with the jets, as well as the option for Romania to purchase an additional 16 F-35s at a later date.