Romania signs $7.2 billion deal to buy 32 F-35A jets
Romania’s F-35A fleet will integrate with its existing F-16 fleet and eventually replace them. (Photo: US Air Force)
The Romanian government has formalised a deal to purchase 32 F-35A aircraft from the US. The jets will not be expected to be operational in Romania until 2030.
The Romanian government has confirmed its intent to purchase 32 F-35 Lightning II aircraft. A Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) was signed with Lockheed Martin via a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) on the 21 November.
The US$7.2 billion purchase was greenlit by the US State Department back in September 2024. The approval for these aircraft now makes Romania the 20th country to introduce F-35s into its fleet. According to Lockheed Martin, they will integrate with Romania Air Force’s F-16 fleets.
"We are pleased to welcome Romania into the F-35 enterprise," said Lt. Gen Mike Schmidt, director and programme executive officer of the F-35 Joint Program Office. "The integration of the F-35 Lightning II aircraft into the Romanian Air Force will significantly strengthen NATO's deterrence capabilities by providing unmatched strategic, operational, and tactical advantages.”
Related Articles
Greenlight for Romania’s F-35 purchase takes approvals for the decade to almost $35 billion
The F-35 Joint Programme Office would also reportedly ensure a “successful transition” for the fleet and provide support for F-35 pilots and maintenance crew.
““The process of modernization of the Air Force will continue with the purchase of the latest generation F-35 aircraft,” the office of Romania’s President said in a statement.
According to responses to the media from US Ambassador to Romania, Kathleen Kavalec, the F-35As the jets will be delivered “as quickly as possible” although “it will take some time to acquire the planes”. They are expected to be in Romania by 2030.
She added that there would be a programme established for training F-35 pilots, potentially building on the F-16 training centre already in the country.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Bayraktar TB2: The $4.11 billion market success of a cost-effective MALE UAV]()
Bayraktar TB2: The $4.11 billion market success of a cost-effective MALE UAV
The success of the Bayraktar TB2 stems from it fulfilling a niche of providing reasonable capabilities at a low cost, leading to its acquisition by more than 30 countries including many in Africa; but there are reasons to be cautious about its potential future prospects.
-
![Podcast: Critical Care episode 7 - Designing sustainment into the future]()
Podcast: Critical Care episode 7 - Designing sustainment into the future
Sustainment has long been seen as a downstream concern — something to be managed after procurement. But what happens when you flip that mindset?
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: APAC countries explore fleet upgrade and expansion opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: APAC countries explore fleet upgrade and expansion opportunities
Ahead of the Singapore Airshow 2026, opportunities for defence firms to upgrade or replace ageing aircraft remain strong, with tactical transport, combat aircraft and maritime patrol aircraft at the top of potential procurement lists.
-
![Anduril awarded latest OPF-L contract with around $155.2 million still up for grabs]()
Anduril awarded latest OPF-L contract with around $155.2 million still up for grabs
As the US Marine Corps continues to push loitering munitions as a core battlefield tool, Shephard looks at how the latest contract award factors into future potential purchases.
-
![GA-ASI makes strides with further MQ-20 intercept test success]()
GA-ASI makes strides with further MQ-20 intercept test success
The latest test of advanced autonomy development focused on human-machine teaming, loading a mission profile onto the platform.
-
![Edge and Indra to form manufacturing entity to meet European loitering munition demand]()
Edge and Indra to form manufacturing entity to meet European loitering munition demand
Once approved by shareholders, the newly established manufacturing company will be developed in Spain and will look to address the burgeoning demand for loitering munitions from Spain and the rest of Europe.
