US approves $7.2 billion sale of F-35 fighter jets to Romania

The US State Department has authorized the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Romania, valued at $7.2 billion.

The contract, which must still be approved by the US Congress, covers Bucharest's purchase of 32 F-35A aircraft and related equipment, produced by the US aerospace and defence giant Lockheed Martin, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The Romanian government had previously requested the purchase of 32 F-35 fighter jets, along with aircraft engines, related equipment, services, and software. The deal is intended to “support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by bolstering the defence capabilities of a NATO ally.”

The Pentagon stated that this sale will “enhance Romania's ability to address current and future threats” while ensuring that “the fundamental balance of power in the region remains unaffected.” 

The contract announcement comes as Ukrainian pilots began training this week at a special centre in Romania on F-16s, US-made fighter jets that Washington has approved Kyiv to use to repel Russia's invasion.

Romania occupies a strategic position at the gateway to Ukraine and the Black Sea and aims to become an international hub for F-16 training.

It inaugurated an F-16 training centre at its Fetesti air base in November 2023, pledging to also train Ukrainians there.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met his Romanian counterpart Luminita Odobescu on Thursday, thanking Bucharest for delivering a Patriot missile defence system to Ukraine.