Romania Set to Acquire 32 F-35 Jets in $6.5 Billion Deal

Romania's Ministry of National Defence has requested parliamentary approval for the purchase of 32 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, estimated to be worth $6.5 billion. The acquisition aims to enhance Romania's security architecture on NATO's eastern flank and in the Black Sea region. The potential deal will be carried out under the foreign military sales framework and requires approval from the United States Department of State. If successful, Romania would become the third Eastern European ally, after Poland and the Czech Republic, to operate the fifth-generation aircraft. The first aircraft could be delivered to Romania's military by 2030.