Romania is buying 32 F-35s for $7.2 billion to bolster its defence, becoming a key player on NATO’s eastern flank.
Romania has just received approval to buy 32 F-35A advanced fighter jets manufactured by Lockheed Martin in a contract estimated to be worth around $7.2 billion (€6.7 billion). The acquisition includes Pratt & Whitney F135 engines, full logistical support, as well as communications and cryptographic equipment. The first batch of F-35s is scheduled to arrive in 2030, enabling Romania to become one of the main F-35 operators in Eastern Europe, strengthening NATO’s defence capability against regional threats.
The F-35: a new-generation fighter aircraft
The F-35 is one of the world’s most advanced multi-role fighters, developed by Lockheed Martin. Designed for a wide range of missions, from air superiority to precise ground strikes, it is equipped with ultra-modern sensors and a sophisticated weapons system. The F-35A, the model that Romania will acquire, is specifically designed for conventional take-off and landing operations. It has a maximum speed of Mach 1.6 (around 1,975 km/h) and a combat range of around 1,080 kilometres.
The cost of an F-35A, depending on configuration, is estimated at around €110 million per unit. For Romania, the acquisition of 32 aircraft represents an investment of around €6.7 billion, or around €209 million per aircraft, including engines, maintenance and logistical support. The acquisition also includes munitions, communications and navigation equipment, as well as simulators for pilot training. The high cost is explained by the high technology on board, including advanced detection sensors and stealth that enables it to avoid most enemy radars.
As well as simply adding fighter jets to Romania’s arsenal, this sale represents a strategic lever for NATO against a backdrop of growing tensions with Russia. The F-35’s technological superiority strengthens Romania’s defensive position, particularly on the alliance’s eastern flank, where Russia’s presence in Ukraine continues to worry the allies.
Romania’s strategy for modernising its armed forces
Romania’s purchase of the F-35A is part of a wider strategy to modernise its armed forces. For several years now, Romania has been increasing its defence budget, aiming to reach 2% of its gross domestic product (GDP) for military spending, as recommended by NATO. This acquisition is a key element in this strategy, providing Romania with a deterrent against the potential threat posed by Russia.
Romania plans to train two squadrons of F-35s, for a total of 32 aircraft, with the ambition of acquiring a further 16 to form a third squadron. Ultimately, this would make Romania one of the largest users of the F-35 in Eastern Europe, behind Poland, which has already ordered 32 F-35s, and the Czech Republic, which is due to receive its first aircraft over the next decade.
The first batch of F-35s is scheduled for 2030, giving Romania time to modernise its infrastructure, particularly its air bases and maintenance systems. The arrival of these aircraft will require a complete overhaul of logistical capabilities, with integrated maintenance systems and specialist technicians trained in the use of these cutting-edge technologies. This will enable greater interoperability with other NATO members, facilitating joint defence and security missions in the region.
Strengthening security on NATO’s eastern flank
Romania’s acquisition of the F-35 is of strategic importance to NATO. Located close to Russia and Ukraine, Romania occupies a key position on the alliance’s eastern flank. With Finland and Sweden joining NATO, Romania becomes one of the pillars of Eastern European defence. The arrival of the F-35s will enable Romania to strengthen its air defence capabilities and carry out more advanced reconnaissance and surveillance missions.
The presence of these aircraft will also help to deter potential incursions into NATO airspace. The F-35’s stealth capabilities make it extremely difficult for conventional radars to detect it, enabling it to carry out reconnaissance missions undetected. This stealth, combined with advanced sensors, makes it possible to monitor the movements of enemy forces in sensitive areas such as the Black Sea, where Russia has a major military presence.
Finally, this acquisition strengthens Romania’s integration into NATO’s defence architecture. Thanks to their ability to share information in real time with other defence systems, the F-35s enable greater coordination between the various armed forces of the member countries of the alliance. This translates into a faster and more effective response in the event of an imminent threat.
A strategic investment in Romania’s future
Romania’s purchase of 32 F-35As marks a crucial step in the modernisation of its armed forces and its commitment to NATO. The project, worth a total of €6.7 billion, places Romania in a position of strength on the alliance’s eastern flank, enabling it to better respond to current and future threats. The F-35s, with their advanced stealth, detection and strike capabilities, will provide Romania with considerable air power, while strengthening the collective security of NATO members.
With the first batch scheduled to arrive in 2030, Romania has several years to prepare for the integration of these new-generation aircraft. This will involve not only investment in infrastructure, but also the training of pilots and technicians to maximise the effectiveness of these aircraft. This project contributes not only to Romania’s defence, but also to that of NATO as a whole, in the face of an ever-changing security environment.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.