Romania plans to buy the latest generation F-35 fighter from the United States to increase its air defenses, according to a statement by the country's highest defense council with a border with Ukraine, CSAT last month.
The EU member state and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have increased defense spending to 2.5 percent of gross domestic product this year, from only 2 percent, in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Previously, the country, which borders 650 km (400 miles) with Ukraine, was the host of the US ballistic missile defense system. Since last year, there have been permanent alliance fighting groups stationed in its territory.
"Having strong air defense operational capabilities, credible, operational, operational, flexible, and efficient... as part of our commitments as a NATO country and the European Union is key to Romania meeting its defense policy goals," the statement said.
"The air force modernization process will continue through the acquisition of the latest generation F-35 fighter jets," the statement continued.
However, the council did not explain further about the time or number.
If realized, Romania could become the third ally of Eastern Europe, after Poland and the Czech Republic, which operate the fifth-generation aircraft.
Romania's Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT) is a state body chaired by President Klaus Iohannis.
"These planes... make it possible to achieve and maintain air superiority, a mandatory condition to ensure sovereignty in national airspace and, if necessary, its defense," the agency said, citing Defense News.
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Last year, President Klaus Iohanis said Romania was considering buying an F-35 Lightning III aircraft, made by US arms manufacturer Lockheed Martin Corp.
In December, Romania's Ministry of Defense signed an agreement to purchase seven crewed aircraft systems Watchkeeper X from Israel's defense electronics company, Elbit Systems.
Meanwhile, in March, the Ministry of Defense said Romania would buy Abrams tanks made by General Dynamics, as part of a broader defense acquisition plan.
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