Washington (TDI): The US State Department has approved a significant defense agreement with Romania, endorsing the sale of 32 F-35 jets and related equipment in a deal valued at $7.2 billion.
This agreement, which still requires approval from the US Congress, involves the purchase of these advanced aircraft from Lockheed Martin, a leading American aerospace and defense company.
According to a State Department statement, the F-35 Jets sale aims to bolster US foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the security of Romania, a key NATO ally.
Romania’s strategic position in Eastern Europe, serving as a crucial gateway to Kyiv and the Black Sea, underscores its role in maintaining regional stability.
The announcement of the F-35 jets sale coincides with the commencement of F-16 training for Ukrainian pilots at a newly established center in Romania.
This training, approved by the US, is part of efforts to support Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s ongoing invasion.
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Romania has also recently opened an F-16 training facility at its Fetesti air base, which began operations in November 2023, further solidifying its role as a hub for international military training.
In a related development, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu on Thursday.
During their meeting, Blinken expressed gratitude for Romania’s provision of a Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine, highlighting the strong defense collaboration between the two nations.
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Moreover, the State Department has announced the approval of another major defense deal: a $4.1 billion sale of KC-46A aerial refueling tankers to Japan.
This agreement reflects ongoing US efforts to strengthen security partnerships across the globe.
