Romania aims to buy F-35 fighter planes to boost air defences

Romania intends to purchase U.S. F-35 fighter jets of the newest generation to bolster its air defenses, according to a statement released by the country’s supreme defense council (CSAT) on Tuesday.

In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the European Union and NATO state has increased defense expenditure to 2.5% of gross domestic product from 2% this year.

The country, which shares a 650-kilometer (400-mile) frontier with Ukraine, hosts a U.S. ballistic missile defense system and, as of the previous year, a permanently stationed alliance battlegroup.

“Having robust, credible, interoperable, flexible, and effective air defense operational capabilities… as part of our commitments as a NATO and EU member state is essential for Romania to achieve its defense policy objectives,” the statement said.

The modernization of the air force will proceed with the acquisition of F-35 jets of the newest generation.

The council did not elucidate on specific dates or figures.

President Klaus Iohannis stated in 2017 that Romania was considering acquiring F-35 aircraft, which are manufactured by the American defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corp. (LMT.N).

The Romanian defense ministry announced in March that the country would acquire Abrams tanks manufactured by General Dynamics (GD.N) as part of broader acquisitions plans.

In December, the Romanian Ministry of Defense signed a contract to purchase seven Watchkeeper X unmanned aircraft systems from the Israeli defense electronics company Elbit Systems (ESLT.TA) for approximately 1.89 billion lei ($418.0 million).