Romania plans to buy 32 F-35 fighters for $6.5 billion
Romania plans to purchase 32 latest generation F-35 fighter jets from the American manufacturer Lockheed Martin for $6.5 billion.
Reuters reports this with reference to the Romanian Ministry of Defense.
The purchase of the F-35 was approved by Romania's Supreme Council of Defense (CSAT) in April, and the defense ministry said it is now asking parliament to give its consent to start the procurement process this year.
The preliminary agreement includes logistics and training services, flight simulators, and ammunition along with the aircraft, as well as an option for Romania to purchase 16 more F-35s at a later date.
The final contracts are unlikely to be signed until next year, and Defense Minister Angel Tilvar has previously stated that the first aircraft will not be delivered until 2030.
Author - Olena Madiak, 26/09/2023
