Romania to Seal F-35 Fighter Jet Deal with the U.S. by Fall

Romania is set to sign a government-to-government agreement with the United States by this fall to acquire F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin. The $6.5 billion deal includes logistics, training, and ammunition. Romania has also bought second-hand F-16 jets from Norway and Portugal, and intends to support Ukraine with a Patriot system.

Romania is poised to finalize a government-to-government agreement with the United States to buy state-of-the-art F-35 fighter jets as early as this fall, according to the defence ministry.

The plan involves purchasing 32 F-35s from U.S. manufacturer Lockheed Martin for $6.5 billion, including logistics, training services, flight simulators, and ammunition, though deliveries won't occur before 2030, according to Defence Minister Angel Tilvar.

In the interim, Romania has secured 32 second-hand F-16 jets from Norway, adding to 17 acquired from Portugal since 2016. A NATO member since 2004, Romania shares a strategic 400-mile border with Ukraine and has faced incursions from Russian drone fragments. Romania is also donating a Patriot system to Ukraine as part of NATO's support amid the ongoing conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)