The U.S. State Department has approved a $7.2 billion sale of F-35 fighter jets to Romania, a NATO ally, aimed at strengthening regional security. The deal, announced on Friday, includes the purchase of 32 F-35A aircraft and related equipment from American defense giant Lockheed Martin. However, it still requires approval from the U.S. Congress.
“This proposed sale will support U.S. foreign policy and national security goals by enhancing the security of a NATO ally, which plays a crucial role in political and economic stability in Europe,” the State Department said in a statement.
The sale comes as Ukrainian pilots began training in Romania this week on U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets, which Washington has allowed Ukraine to use in its ongoing defense against Russia. Romania, strategically located at the crossroads of Ukraine and the Black Sea, has positioned itself as an international hub for F-16 training, with its Fetesti airbase inaugurated as a training center in November 2023.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu on Thursday, where he praised Romania for delivering a Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine.
In a related development, the U.S. State Department also approved a $4.1 billion sale of a KC-46A aerial refueling tanker to Japan.
