The State Department approved Romania's purchase of 32 F-35A stealth fighter jets with associated equipment for $7,2 billion, the US Defense and Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced.
The US decision is part of the strengthening of NATO's eastern wing in the midst of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, given that the same type of aircraft is already being used by Poland, and has been approved by the Czech Republic and Greece, reports the "Balkan Security Network" portal.
The delivery of the first aircraft of the American Lockheed Martin is expected in 2030, and Bucharest intends to form two F-35 squadrons, and then acquire another one.
Romania will complete its fleet of 49 F-16 aircraft by the end of next year, and when the new F-35As join it, it will grow into one of the most powerful air forces in Europe.
Just days before the stealth aircraft purchase approval, the US approved Romania's purchase of 186 medium-range fire-and-forget AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, and in May 300 short-range Sidewinder missiles that can be used by both F-16s and F-35As.
According to the manufacturer, the F-35A is a multipurpose stealth technology aircraft with reduced radar reflection, with state-of-the-art equipment and devices for safe flight, air combat, targeting targets on land and water surfaces, network warfare and electronic operations.
Most of the characteristics of the aircraft are kept secret, but it is known that the maximum speed of the aircraft is Mach 1,6, that it has an active long-range radar, an electro-optical system for detecting and tracking targets and a whole range of integrated sensors that allow it to survive on the battlefield.
DSCA, according to standard procedure for arms sales, sent a confirmation from the State Department to the US Congress approving the sale of aircraft, equipment, spare parts and training and logistical support services.
The confirmation states that any offset arrangements between the buyer, i.e. Romania, and the manufacturer, i.e. Lockheed Martin, will be agreed upon later. The government in Bucharest requested the purchase of 32 F-35A aircraft (the official designation is F-35A Lightning Joint Strike Fighter), 33 Prat and Whitney F135-PW-100 engines (32 on the aircraft and one spare).
In addition to the aircraft, the Romanian procurement also includes AN/PYQ-10 key loading devices (SKL), equipment for friend-foe identification (IFF), then equipment for secure communication, precision navigation and cryptographic equipment.
The list also includes multi-purpose missile equipment, ammunition and weapon components, aircraft support and ammunition and related equipment, integration and verification equipment, spare parts, maintenance service and maintenance itself, integrated computer, electronic warfare support.
In the statement, DSCA states the usual elements when advertising arms sales, such as support for foreign policy and national security goals of the USA, strengthening the security of NATO and its allies.
It added that the sale will improve Romania's ability to face current and future threats, as well as increase interoperability with the US and other NATO member states.
Romania will have no difficulty integrating the new aircraft and services into its armed forces, especially considering the previous procurements requested by the Government in Bucharest.
Bonus video:
