After years of negotiations, Romania and Lockheed Martin are close to signing a $5.9 billion deal to acquire 32 F-35 fighters. Avions Legendaires reports that if Romania signs a deal in the fall of 2024, the deliveries might be in the 2028-2030 period, earlier than the first mentioned date of 2032. Following the Russo-Ukrainian War's ignition, Romania wants to upgrade its air force against potential Russian aggression in the Black Sea region.
An acquisition of F-16 Block 70 fighters or kits might follow alongside F-35 fighters to have the fourth-generation fighters keep up technologically.
In August 2023, Romanian Defence Minister Angel Tîlvăr stated that the decision to buy the F-35 was to equip the Romanian Air Force with advanced fighter jets and consolidate the security architecture on the eastern side of NATO and in the Black Sea region.
Earlier on April 11, the Supreme Council of National Defence of Romania, chaired by Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, authorised the Romanian Defence Ministry to acquire aircraft for the country's air force. Romania hopes to receive the first aircraft in 2030.
