The United States has announced a major contract for the sale of 32 F-35A fighter jets to Romania, marking a significant boost to the Eastern European nation’s defense capabilities.
The deal, which is still pending approval from the US Congress, includes the purchase of advanced aircraft and associated equipment from Lockheed Martin, the leading US aerospace and defense contractor.
According to a statement from the US State Department, this proposed sale aligns with the foreign policy and national security interests of the United States.
It aims to strengthen the security of Romania, a key NATO ally, which plays a critical role in promoting political and economic stability within the European region. The department emphasized that bolstering Romania’s defense capabilities will further support broader regional security, particularly given the ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe.
This announcement comes at a pivotal time as Ukraine continues to resist Russia’s ongoing invasion. Romanian and Ukrainian defense cooperation has deepened recently, with Ukrainian pilots beginning their training on US-made F-16 fighter jets at a dedicated center in Romania.
The training initiative, which kicked off earlier this week, is part of broader efforts to prepare Kyiv’s air force to better defend its territory against Russian aggression, with Washington granting permission for Ukraine to use the American fighter jets.
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Romania, which shares a crucial border with Ukraine and has a strategic location along the Black Sea, aims to play a central role in regional defense training. The country officially launched its F-16 training center at the Fetesti air base in November 2023.
In addition to training its own forces, Romania has committed to training Ukrainian pilots at the facility, further solidifying its position as a regional hub for NATO-aligned defense cooperation.
The cooperation between the US and Romania also extends to other military support efforts. On Thursday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a meeting with Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu, where he expressed gratitude for Romania’s delivery of a Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine.
This gesture highlights Romania’s increasing involvement in supporting its neighbor’s defense against Russian forces.
In a separate announcement on Friday, the US State Department also approved a $4.1 billion sale to Japan of a KC-46A aerial refueling tanker.
This sale is part of broader efforts by the US to enhance defense partnerships with key allies in both Europe and Asia, demonstrating the global scope of America’s military collaboration with its strategic partners.
With these new agreements, the US continues to reinforce its network of alliances and defense partnerships, furthering its strategic interests on multiple fronts while supporting the security needs of its allies in increasingly volatile regions.