Romania secures $7.2 billion deal for 32 F‑35A fighter jets
10:49 AM EDT, September 30, 2024
The U.S. Department of State has approved the potential sale of 32 F-35A aircraft to Romania for up to $7.2 billion. Here, we present the details of Romania's significant purchase and the performance of these aircraft.
The U.S. Department of State has approved the sale to Romania of 32 F-35A aircraft for up to $7.2 billion under the FMS procedure. It's worth noting that the amounts quoted under FMS are usually much higher than the value of the signed contracts.
In addition to the aircraft, Romania will acquire 33 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) equipment, AN/PYQ-10 cryptographic devices, a weapons package, and logistical support. This support will include spare parts, aircraft maintenance equipment, and Romanian Air Force personnel training. Romania currently operates the former Norwegian F-16 AM/BM aircraft, which allowed it to retire the MiG-21 LanceR from service.
F-35A - the stealthy successor to the F-16
The F-35A Lightning II is a multirole aircraft characterized by its stealth technology design. Initially designed as a strike aircraft to complement the air superiority fighter F-22 Raptor, it has evolved into a versatile multirole machine.
Besides its stealth capabilities, the F-35A is notable for its advanced sensor package. This includes the AN/APG-81 or AN/APG-85 radar with AESA array and the AN/AAQ-37 EODAS system, which consists of six infrared sensors providing 360-degree detection of various objects. These sensors enable targeting and shooting missiles at targets located behind the aircraft.
This helps mitigate certain design drawbacks, such as the limited capability to carry weapons and lower flight speed. The aircraft's internal bays can hold up to six AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air guided missiles or, for instance, two B61-12 or JDAM-ER bombs.
However, one limitation is the maximum flight speed of Mach 1.6 and the inability to fly at supersonic speeds without using an afterburner, a capability known as supercruise. This limitation does not increase the range of fired missiles, unlike aircraft capable of reaching Mach 2.25.
