Romania to purchase F-35 next-generation aircraft, Defense Council decides

The Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT) approved on Tuesday the Concept for the realization of the operational air defense capability with 5th generation multirole aircraft, i.e. the acquisition of F-35 next-generation aircraft, according to a statement published by the presidential administration after the CSAT meeting held at the Cotroceni Palace.

During the meeting „the development of Romania’s military aviation was also analyzed”, given that „the achievement of robust, credible, interoperable, flexible and efficient operational air defense capabilities, intended both to fulfil the commitments assumed as a result of NATO and EU membership and to deter possible aggression, is an essential condition for achieving Romania’s defense policy objectives”, according to the source.

According to the quoted source, „the spectrum of defense capabilities mentioned will include, among others, enhanced air and missile defense capabilities for the protection of own forces and advanced and diversified long-range precision fire and strike capabilities”.

The CSAT states that the F-35 aircraft are „equipped with a wide range of advanced sensors, real-time encrypted information exchange capability with both airborne platforms and ground-based defense systems, real battlefield operational picture management capability, as well as high-precision smart munitions” and „enable the achievement and maintenance of air superiority, a prerequisite for ensuring sovereignty in national airspace and, if necessary, for its defense”.

According to the Presidential Administration, the agenda of the meeting focused mainly on the security situation in the Black Sea region and the implications for Romania, against the backdrop of the latest developments, in the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, external interventions on the democratic process in the Republic of Moldova, as well as in the context of the prospects for continued support from NATO, the European Union and the international community for Ukraine.

„Romania continues to act firmly, unitedly and effectively, together with its allies and partners, in promoting security and stability in the Black Sea region – an area of strategic importance for Euro-Atlantic security. The fundamental benchmark for action remains that of ensuring national security, and supporting Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova contributes directly to strengthening Romania’s security,” the press release reads.

Ahead of the NATO Summit in Vilnius, the members of the Supreme Council of National Defense „ensured that the processes for the implementation of the historic measures adopted last year in Madrid on the long-term strengthening of NATO’s deterrence and defense posture on the Eastern flank and the Black Sea, which are underway, will be fully completed.”

At the same time, maintaining consistent and multidimensional support for Ukraine, within NATO and the European Union, is critical to ensuring the success of Ukraine’s defense efforts, both now and in the long term.

Council members also agreed that Romania’s effort must continue to be comprehensive, ensuring the necessary support for other vulnerable partners in the region. This concerns, first and foremost, the Republic of Moldova, which, after Ukraine, is the most exposed to Russian aggression and pressure.

Since the outbreak of the war on our borders, the Republic of Moldova has been under pressure on multiple fronts, with the aim of weakening the support expressed by its citizens for a strong pro-European course, for reforms, for democracy and prosperity, the press release notes.

In addition, the Republic of Moldova is the target of hybrid destabilizing actions of unprecedented intensity and complexity. At Tuesday’s meeting, Council members stressed the professional, democratic and responsible way in which these actions have been handled by the authorities in Chisinau.

In this context, they discussed how best to continue Romania’s determined support for Moldova’s efforts to strengthen its resilience. Council members stressed the need to adapt to regional developments and to further strengthen European and international support efforts for the benefit of Moldova, the press release added.

Translated