US approves F-35 sale to Romania, enhancing NATO’s eastern flank

The US State Department has given the green light for the sale of 32 F-35A Joint Strike Fighters to Romania, a deal valued at approximately $7.2 billion. This agreement marks Romania’s first acquisition of Lockheed Martin's F-35s, including F135 engines from Pratt & Whitney and an additional spare engine.

The purchase will provide Romania with its initial two squadrons of F-35s, with plans to acquire 16 more aircraft in the future to establish a third squadron, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

If completed, Romania would become the third Eastern European nation to operate the F-35, following Poland and the Czech Republic. The country expects to receive its first F-35s by 2030.

This deal is expected to bolster Romania's defence capabilities and enhance its role within NATO, particularly in response to increased Russian aggression in Ukraine. The State Department highlighted that the sale would significantly enhance Romania's ability to address current and future threats, while also improving interoperability with the United States and other NATO allies.

In addition to the aircraft, the sale includes comprehensive support services such as logistics, maintenance, navigation, communications, cryptographic equipment, ammunition, training for pilots and personnel, and simulators. Lockheed Martin will primarily manufacture the F-35s at its Fort Worth, Texas facility.

The State Department also approved a separate $4.1 billion deal for Japan to purchase up to nine KC-46A Pegasus refueling tankers from Boeing.