Romania has finalized an agreement to acquire Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter jets, bolstering its national defense capabilities. The move adds to the nation’s existing fleet of fourth-generation F-16 aircraft and strengthens ties with NATO allies. Lockheed Martin commended Romania’s decision, emphasizing the strategic value of the advanced stealth aircraft.
The F-35 acquisition represents a major step in Romania’s defense strategy. In a report from FlightGlobal, Bridget Lauderdale, general manager of Lockheed’s F-35 program, stated, “The acquisition of the F-35 further fortifies Romania’s national security and deterrent capability.” The low-observable aircraft will integrate seamlessly with Romania’s current fleet of 21 F-16A jets, enhancing its overall defense capacity.
Lockheed also highlighted the role of the European F-16 Training Center in Romania, established in 2023 in collaboration with the Netherlands. This facility has trained both Romanian and Ukrainian pilots on the multi-role F-16 Viper, reflecting Romania’s growing importance in regional defense collaboration.
The F-35’s Expanding Role Globally
The addition of the F-35 to the Romania air fleet is part of a broader trend of increasing adoption of the aircraft worldwide. Greece signed a deal for 20 F-35As in July 2024, with an option for 20 more. Earlier in the year, Singapore expanded its fleet with an additional eight F-35As, supplementing its order for 12 F-35Bs.
Lockheed has delivered over 1,000 F-35s globally, making it one of the most widely used military aircraft. Mara Motherway, Lockheed’s vice president of strategy and business development, emphasized the jet’s growing importance, stating, “The F-35’s growing presence across Europe demonstrates alliance-based deterrence and is setting the foundation for NATO and allied nations’ next-generation air power capability.”
Outgoing U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has called the F-35 “one of the best aircraft in the inventory,” underscoring its reliability and effectiveness. The aircraft features advanced onboard sensors, communication systems, and survivability against modern air defenses, making it a valuable asset for NATO allies.
A Cost-Effective Solution
Lockheed positions the F-35 as a cost-effective option for nations like Romania who are upgrading their defense capabilities. The standard F-35A variant is priced around $80 million, competitive with other fourth-generation aircraft like the Saab Gripen E/F, Dassault Rafale, and Boeing F-15EX. Lockheed has emphasized that the Lightning II offers the “most cost-effective solution for Romania.”
While competitors argue that their aircraft may have lower operational costs, the F-35 continues to outperform rivals in international procurement competitions. Its combination of advanced technology, interoperability, and affordability makes it a preferred choice for nations like Romania looking to modernize their air fleets.
The addition of the F-35 enhances multinational interoperability within NATO and aligns with Romania’s broader defense goals. Lockheed and the Pentagon have promoted the aircraft as a tool for strengthening U.S. security influence and facilitating coordination among allies across Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
