The U.S. Department of State has approved Romania’s request to buy 32 units of the F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter conventional takeoff and landing aircraft variant and 33 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines.
The potential foreign military sale, worth $7.2 billion, also includes Identification Friend or Foe equipment; secure communications, precision navigation and cryptographic devices; multipurpose missile equipment; ammunition and weapons components; classified and unclassified software and software development, delivery and integration support; personnel training; and training gear.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the proposed FMS will support Romania’s self-defense and regional security missions and improve its interoperability with the United States and other NATO members. Lockheed Martin will be the principal contractor.
The Romanian Ministry of National Defence said the FMS authorization aligns with a plan to procure two F-35A squadrons immediately, with deployment to begin after 2030. Romania plans to buy another 16 aircraft units in the future to expand its F-35A fleet, Janes reported.