Romania Signs Letter Of Offer And Acceptance For 32 F-35As
The Romanian government officially signed a letter of offer and acceptance for its purchase of 32 F-35A Lightning IIs on Thursday, formalizing the Foreign Military Sale and becoming the 20th nation to purchase the stealthy multirole aircraft.
The signing followed Romanian lawmakers’ approval of a law on the procurement of the F-35As on 13 November. Their purchase will be the most expensive single military procurement deal in Romanian history, with the $6.5 billion package to be partially paid for with loans and other financial assistance from the United States.
Current Romanian planning expects deliveries to begin in 2031, with an additional 16 F-35As to be purchased at a later date.
Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said the signing was an essential step in the modernization of the Romanian military, with the deal reiterating Budapest’s commitment to NATO and its shared values of democracy, freedom and security with the United States.
United States Ambassador to Romania Kathleen Kavalec said at the signing ceremony that the deal would “contribute significantly to the long-term defense of the NATO Alliance and our collective security”, commending Budapest’s commitment to allocate up to 2.5% of its GDP on defense spending.
“We are pleased to welcome Romania into the F-35 enterprise,” said Lt. Gen Mike Schmidt, director and program executive officer of the F-35 Joint Program Office. “The integration of the F-35 Lightning II aircraft into the Romanian Air Force will significantly strengthen NATO’s deterrence capabilities by providing unmatched strategic, operational, and tactical advantages. The F-35 Joint Program Office is dedicated to continuing a strong relationship with Romania, ensuring a successful transition and providing comprehensive support for their pilots and maintainers as we move forward together on this great effort.”
“For nearly 30 years, Romania and Lockheed Martin have been defense and security partners,” said Bridget Lauderdale, vice president and general manager, F-35 Lightning II Program, Lockheed Martin. “The acquisition of the F-35 further fortifies Romania’s national security and deterrent capability.”
“The F-35’s growing presence across Europe demonstrates alliance-based deterrence and is setting the foundation for NATO and allied nations’ next generation air power capability,” said Mara Motherway, vice president, Strategy and Business Development, Lockheed Martin.