Romania aims to sign a deal for the purchase of F-35 combat fighters in 2023 or next year.

Major General Teodor Incicaș, Head of the General Directorate for Armaments at the Romanian Ministry of National Defense, made this announcement.

According to him, the Ministry of Defense plans to receive the first squadron of fighter jets after 2030.

“The acquisition of the F-16 is an intermediate stage to the implementation of the 5th generation aircraft, that is, the F-35. The Romanian army aims to get the first operational capability, the first squadron of F-35 aircraft, after 2030,” said Major General Teodor Incicaș.

Currently, a potential order requires the completion of all legislative steps, such as obtaining the conclusion of the Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT) and the decision of Parliament.

The Head of the General Directorate for Armaments stressed that the procurement program is F-35 complex and will require investment, including in military infrastructure.

To implement the plan to receive the first squadron of aircraft in the 2030s, Romania needs to carry out comprehensive steps, such as infrastructure analysis and investing in it. Aircraft acquisition is also a complex process in terms of coordination and delivery.

“It is desirable that this year or next year we take the first steps to sign a contract for the F-35,” Incicaș concluded .

He stressed that this approach cannot be implemented without the approval of the country’s supreme defense council and without the prior approval of the Romanian parliament.

Romanian Air Force

Today, the F-16 is the main fighter of the Romanian Air Force. The country has a squadron of 17 aircraft. Twelve F-16AM/ВМ were purchased in 2013 from Portugal and the remaining five from the United States Air Force.

In 2022, an additional 32 Norwegian F-16 were acquired for €388 million. Upon their arrival, the country would have three F-16 squadrons.

It is known that the life of 32 former Norwegian aircraft will expire, in about 10-15 years. However, their resource is still quite acceptable, because aircraft are considered a transitional stage to F-35 Lightning II fighters.