Romania’s Ministry of National Defence is looking to receive parliamentary approval of its $6.5 billion proposal to purchase F-35 Lightning II fighter jets from Lockheed Martin.
The ministry submitted its request following the decision by the Supreme Council on National Defense, the country’s autonomous administrative authority, on April 11 to allow the aircraft acquisition, Defense News reported. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis chairs the council.
In an interview with local media outlet Antena 3, Defense Minister Angel Tîlvar said the planned procurement will deliver advanced warfighting capability to the Romanian air force. He added that the fifth-generation combat planes will provide the country with a consolidated status in NATO’s eastern flank and the Black Sea region.
Based on the documents provided to the Romanian parliament, the ministry seeks to initially acquire 32 F-35s and possibly another 16 units at a later time. The air assets will support the European nation’s plans of establishing three squadrons of fighters with advanced capabilities.
If the parliament clears the proposal, Romanian officials are targeting to receive delivery of the first aircraft in 2030.
The potential deal requires approval from the U.S. Department of State and will be implemented through the Foreign Military Sales program.
