The U.S. State Department has approved a possible $7.2 billion agreement to supply Romania with F-35A Lightning II jets. This sale represents an important move in enhancing Romania’s defense capabilities, as it is a crucial NATO ally in southeastern Europe.

The deal involves buying 32 state-of-the-art F-35 aircraft, each with 33 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines, as well as various support services, training, and maintenance packages. The goal of the initiative is to improve Romania’s capability in protecting its airspace and assisting with NATO missions on a larger scale.

The potential F35 sale, as announced by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), includes not just the F-35 Lightening II Jets, but also other crucial systems needed for modern air defense. Included in the inventory are secure communication devices, accurate navigation tools, encryption devices, and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems. The package includes aircraft maintenance equipment, spare parts, and sophisticated electronic warfare assistance as well. This agreement shows that the United States is still dedicated to strengthening NATO’s eastern border, especially during times of increased tensions in the region.

The F-35A, recognized for its stealth capabilities and ability to fulfill multiple roles, will greatly improve Romania’s air force by enabling a variety of missions such as air dominance, attacks, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

Lockheed Martin, who produces the F-35, will be the main contractor for the agreement. Once approved, Romania will become a part of the F-35 program along with NATO allies such as Poland, Italy, and the Netherlands. Romania’s capacity to work effectively alongside NATO partners is anticipated to be enhanced by the advanced features of the jet, fostering interoperability and coordination in collective defense endeavors.

Approval from the U.S. Congress is still needed for the F-35 sale, however, due to Romania’s strong relationship as a close ally and NATO partner, the agreement is likely to proceed without much pushback. Once finalized, this purchase will greatly strengthen Romania’s defense stance against changing security threats in Eastern Europe.

Romania’s defense ministry is certain that integrating F-35 jets will significantly enhance its national security, enabling better deterrence of threats and stronger support for NATO’s defense strategy. The agreement marks another step in the increasing defense collaboration between the U.S. and Romania, underscoring Romania’s strategic significance in the region.

Romania faces several air security threats, primarily due to its proximity to unstable regions and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These threats include the risk of unauthorized airspace violations, missile threats, and potential aggression from neighboring non-NATO countries, notably Russia. The F-35 Jets are equipped with advanced stealth technology, multi-role capabilities, and cutting-edge sensors, which will allow Romania to better monitor, detect, and respond to these threats. The jets’ superior air-to-air combat and ground-strike capabilities will greatly enhance Romania’s ability to protect its airspace and support NATO operations.

This acquisition will modernize Romania’s aging air fleet, positioning it to respond more effectively to new security challenges in the region. The interoperability of the F-35 with NATO systems also ensures greater cohesion during joint operations. Romania plans to replace its aging fleet of Soviet-era MiG-21 Lancer jets with the newly acquired F-35s. The MiG-21s, which have been in service since the 1960s, are outdated and no longer meet modern defense requirements. Romania had been relying on these jets for decades, but they have become increasingly difficult to maintain and less effective in confronting modern air threats. The F-35s, with their advanced stealth and multi-role capabilities, will provide a much-needed upgrade in Romania’s air defense

Key Takeaway: The suggested F-35 agreement between the United States and Romania highlights the increasing military connections between the two countries, impacting national and regional security. As NATO evolves in response to changing geopolitical circumstances, such agreements are crucial for upholding a robust and cohesive defense alliance.