The US Department of State has approved the possible sale to Romania of 32 F-35 jets, as well as engines and other related equipment, in a contract of approximately 7 bln USD, through the Foreign Military Sales security assistance program – the Pentagon announced in a press release. The Defense Ministry in Bucharest hailed the decision, stating that, in addition to the 32 5th-generation aircraft, the first phase of the endowment program also includes, among other things, first-phase logistical support, training services, flight simulators, as well as air-to-air and surface-to-surface munitions, in accordance with the prior approval of the Romanian Parliament. The acquisition program also includes an industrial cooperation package.
Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr emphasized that the latest generation military equipment acquired in cooperation with the United States in recent years has changed the profile of the Romanian army at the level of military capacity and interoperability with allied armies. “The Patriot and HIMARS missile systems, the Piranha V armored personnel carriers, the F-16 multi-role aircraft, the NSM coastal batteries and, as of today, the 5th-generation F-35 aircraft provide our country with a strategically strengthened position in the region, where we act as a pillar of NATO’s stability, also offering us a stronger level of interoperability with our allies”, Minister Tîlvăr added. At the same time, “America’s solidarity with Romania, demonstrated by the substantial presence of troops on the territory of the country, essentially helps consolidate the defense of the allied eastern flank in the Black Sea region and the deterrence of aggressions”, the Romanian Minister also said.
In turn, the US ambassador in Bucharest, Kathleen Kavalec, pointed out in a press release, that the F-35 aircraft that will soon be purchased will provide Romania with unparalleled air defense capabilities. According to the aforementioned source, the first such aircraft are expected to be delivered by 2031. The F-35 aircraft have very advanced technological specs, mainly the STEALTH feature (which ensures a reduced radar signature), the integration of the latest generation sensors of the advanced systems of communications and information processing. At present, the Romanian Air Forces carry out their missions on F-16 aircraft, transferred from the surplus of other states. It is a temporary solution which ensures limited operational performance. This transitory stage will end shortly, with the arrival in Romania, of 32 F-16 aircraft from Norway. Later, with the purchase of 5th-generation multi-role F-35 fighter jets, the Romanian Air Forces will have the necessary capabilities to connect with NATO’s integrated air defense system and will be able to carry out joint missions and multinational operations in all fields, to ensure the sovereignty of national and allied airspace. (VP)
