Romania edges closer to F-35 fighter jet buy, but stops short of firm commitment
Romania has shown further interest in joining the ranks of NATO F-35 operators to secure the alliance's eastern flank. (Photo: USAF)
Romania has reiterated its intent to acquire F-35 fighter jets in an announcement from the country's Supreme Defence Council.
Romania has said it aims to buy US-made F-35 fighter jets as the next step in reinforcing its security capabilities.
The NATO nation has raised its defence spending to 2.5% of GDP this year from 2% as a response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
‘Having robust, credible, interoperable, flexible and efficient air defence operational capabilities... as part of our commitments as a NATO and EU state is key to Romania meeting its defence policy objectives,’ the country’s Supreme Defence Council (CAST) said in a statement.
‘The air force's modernisation process will continue through the acquisition of last generation F-35 jets.’
The council made no mention of timing or the number of platforms it seeks.
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said last year that Romania was already considering the acquisition of the fighter.
Any F-35 jet sale will be subject to US approval and Romania could get them through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme.
As the number of countries choosing the Lockheed Martin-made jet grows, its flyaway cost is projected to fall to around $80 million soon, making the fighter a very attractive option for international customers.
Interoperability is also a focal point that draws new customers as more and more militaries join the F-35 club.
With these characteristics, even small air forces, like Romania's (eleventh in size in NATO), are willing to accept the maintenance and upkeep expenses that the complex fifth-generation fighter carries.
Romania currently operates 17 F-16A/B Block 15 Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) fighters, acquired from Portugal and with deliveries completed in 2021, together with 16 MiG-21 Lancer fighters.
More from Air Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: Drone Evolution eyes UK and export markets with Scimitar FPV drone]()
DSEI 2025: Drone Evolution eyes UK and export markets with Scimitar FPV drone
Launched at DSEI 2025 for the first time, the first-person-view uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) is available as 10-inch and 7-inch variant, ideal for surveillance or one-way strike missions.
-
![Proteus: forging the future of autonomous rotorcraft]()
Proteus: forging the future of autonomous rotorcraft
As the home of British helicopters, Leonardo has worked with the UK Ministry of Defence for over a decade to advance technologies underpinning uncrewed rotorcraft. Today, in partnership with DE&S Future Capabilities Innovation and the Royal Navy, Leonardo is spearheading the next step in that journey: from remotely piloted technologies to fully autonomous systems.
-
![DSEI 2025: ‘Future force’ a focus but questions remain on core UK air programmes]()
DSEI 2025: ‘Future force’ a focus but questions remain on core UK air programmes
Focused on shaping the armed forces for the fight ahead, DSEI will hone in on new technology and small and medium enterprises to help lead the sector forward.
-
![India fast-tracks helicopter procurement with dual RFIs for 276 platforms]()
India fast-tracks helicopter procurement with dual RFIs for 276 platforms
India has issued urgent RFIs for more than 270 reconnaissance, surveillance and utility helicopters across its services, signalling a systemic overhaul of rotary-wing capabilities with a renewed emphasis on indigenous production and technology transfer.
-
![US combat drone plan rushes forward with first flight and selection in FY2026]()
US combat drone plan rushes forward with first flight and selection in FY2026
The US Department of Defence (DoD) previously selected Anduril Industries and General Atomics to develop production-representative prototypes under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme. A competitive Increment 1 production decision is expected in FY2026.
