EU member Romania is facing the country's most expensive military order to date, as Parliament's Defense Committee has given the green light to purchase 32 Lockheed Martin F-35A.

The government is expecting the project to cost around $6,5 billion, reports local news site G4Media, citing parliamentary documents. The takeover of the fighter jets is to take place in two phases: First, 16 copies are to be purchased. These serve as replacements for the F-16s intended for retirement. In a second phase, another 16 units are to be taken over.

Since 2016, Romania has taken delivery of numerous used F-16s. These come from Portugal and Norway, for example, and have replaced aging MiG-21s. This process was officially completed on May 15, 2023. In the medium term, the aim is to replace the used aircraft with new F-35A fighter jets.

The budgeted acquisition cost of $6,5 billion also includes simulators, ammunition and initial technical support from the manufacturer. After the planned order has already passed various statutory committees positively, it is expected that the purchase agreement with Lockheed Martin will be signed shortly.