Romania, Czech Republic to announce F-35 acquisition plans

Romania’s Ministry of Defence has announced it aims to sign a letter of acceptance in 2024 to buy 32 F-35 fighters in the program’s first phase, and subsequently secure a further 16 aircraft under the Foreign Military Sales programme, based upon a government-to-government-type contract.

At the end of these, the Romanian Air Force will count three F-35 squadrons. The contract would also cover the delivery of 35 engines, initial logistics support, training services for pilots and technical staff, simulators, weapons, as well as ammunition. Romania expects to receive the first jets in 2030. The decision to buy F-35s was taken by the Romanian Supreme Council on National Defense, at its April 11 meeting.

In January 2020, the Polish cabinet signed a deal to purchase 32 fighters along with a training and logistics package. Czech Republic has secured approval to buy 24 F-35s.

defensenews