Ukraine Neighbor Romania Readies $6.5 Billion F-35 Jet Purchase
- Jet purchase to be the biggest such contract to date
- War has ‘moved to our doorstep,’ defense chief Tilvar says
An F-35 fighter jet.
Photographer: Bo Amstrup/AFP/Getty Images
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Romania is poised to sign a $6.5 billion contract to upgrade its air force with US-made F-35 aircraft, the Black Sea nation’s biggest such deal to date as Russia’s war with Ukraine rages on the other side of the border.
Defense Minister Angel Tilvar said the government is awaiting parliamentary approval for the acquisition of 32 Lockheed Martin Corp.-made fighter jets along with logistics equipment, training and ammunition. The fleet should be in operation from 2030, he said.