Romania Purchases F-35 Fighters from the US and Strengthens NATO Air Defence with the "Southern Shield"
A contract signing ceremony for Romania's purchase of F-35 Lightning II fighter jets from the United States took place in the Romanian capital Bucharest the day before, the US Embassy in Romania and Romanian Journal reported.
‘Romania's decision to purchase these advanced fighter jets is a key step in the ongoing modernisation of the Romanian Armed Forces and will make a significant contribution to the long-term defence of the NATO alliance and our collective security,’ said US Ambassador to Romania Kathleen Kavalek.
The diplomat called the contract ‘an important milestone in the strategic defence partnership between the United States and Romania’. She also congratulated Romania on its commitment to allocate up to 2.5% of GDP to defence spending.
Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said that the F-35 aircraft, with their state-of-the-art technology, will significantly enhance the country's defence capabilities.
‘These aircraft are the pinnacle of aviation technology and will play a central role in our defence strategy,’ he said.
According to the Romanian prime minister, the F-35 deal is the largest contract signed by the Romanian government through the Ministry of Defence since the 1989 revolution.
Also, US Army soldiers from the Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defence Artillery Regiment are currently participating in the US-Romania Short Range Air Defence (SHORAD) exercise, which began on 14 November 2024.
The exercise aims to strengthen integrated air and missile defence capabilities through the rapid deployment of SHORAD systems specifically designed to counter low-altitude threats and secure NATO airspace.
‘This exercise reassures the Romanian people that the United States and NATO are unwavering in their commitment to protecting Romania's airspace,’ said Lieutenant Colonel Andre Raff, commander of the 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defence Artillery Regiment.
Earlier, the Netherlands handed over the last F-16s to Romania for training, including Ukrainians.
