Romania has become the 20th nation to join the F-35 Lightning II program after signing a deal to acquire 32 of the advanced fighter jets through a U.S. Foreign Military Sale.
The agreement strengthens NATO’s air defense capabilities in Eastern Europe and builds on Romania’s existing defense partnership with manufacturer Lockheed Martin.
Lt. Gen Mike Schmidt, F-35 Joint Program Office director, welcomed Romania’s entry into the program.
“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,” Schmidt said.
The deal expands Romania’s air power, complementing its F-16 fleet while enhancing regional security cooperation.
Bridget Lauderdale, Lockheed Martin’s F-35 program vice president, highlighted the partnership’s significance.
“For nearly 30 years, Romania and Lockheed Martin have been defense and security partners,” Lauderdale said.
The Romanian Air Force will train pilots at the European F-16 Training Center in Romania, established last year through cooperation between Lockheed Martin, Romania and the Netherlands.
More than 1,000 F-35s currently operate from 33 bases across 10 nations, with the aircraft logging over 940,000 flight hours globally.
The advanced fighter jet will provide Romania with enhanced air defense capabilities as part of NATO’s collective security framework.
“The F-35’s growing presence across Europe demonstrates alliance-based deterrence,” said Mara Motherway, Lockheed Martin’s vice president of strategy and business development.
