Romania prepares to order 32 US fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jets at a cost of $6.5bn

Romania increased defence spending from 2% to 2.5% of gross domestic product in 2023. This was in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Now Romania intends to start negotiations to acquire fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighter jets.

Here's What We Know

The Romanian Air Force has 17 F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets in service. Last year, Bucharest agreed to purchase 32 F-16s from the Royal Norwegian Air Force for more than $400 million. Deliveries will begin in late 2023.

Romania's Supreme Defence Council (CSAT) approved the purchase of the fifth-generation fighters back in the spring. The defence ministry wants to get the green light from the government to start negotiations as early as 2023.

Final agreements will probably be signed as early as next year. Deliveries won't start until 2030 at the earliest. The $6.5bn contract, in addition to 32 fighter jets, includes logistics services, training, ammunition and an option to buy 16 more F-35A jets in the future.

Source: Reuters