The defence ministry of Romania has announced plans to purchase 32 new F-35A fighter planes from the US manufacturer Lockheed Martin at a cost of $6.5 billion.
The Supreme Defence Council (CSAT) of Romania approved the deal in April, and the defence ministry has now requested Parliament to approve the purchase and initiate the process, which includes logistics, training services, flight simulators, ammunition, and an option to buy an additional 16 planes later.
In August, the defence ministry submitted a request to parliament for approval of the acquisition of 32 F-35As, which would equip two squadrons of the Romanian Air Force.
The final contracts are likely to be signed next year, and the first planes are not expected to be delivered before 2030, according to Defence Minister Angel Tilvar.
