Romania signs deal to buy F-35 jets

NATO member Romania on Thursday signed a deal with Washington to buy 32 F-35 jets, an unprecedented expenditure for the country neighbouring Ukraine.

Romania is the latest to acquire the combat jets, more than two and a half years after Russia invaded Ukraine. With an estimated cost of $6.5 billion approved by Romania's parliament, it is the most expensive military purchase by the poor eastern European country, which has gained in strategic importance since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The F-35A combat aircraft, which are expected to begin arriving in the early 2030s, will "significantly strengthen" Romania's defence capabilities, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said at the signing ceremony.

"Unfortunately, the current geopolitical situation demonstrates the acute need for credible deterrent and defensive capabilities, both at the allied level and the national one," he said.

Romania's decision to buy the fighter jets will "significantly contribute... to our collective security", US Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec said at the event.