The F-35 Lightning II gained even more ground in Europe this week, more specifically in the Czech Republic and Romania. Last Wednesday (27) the Czech Ministry of Defense confirmed the government's approval for the purchase of 24 planes. On Tuesday (26), the Romanian Defense Minister said he was seeking authorization from parliament to also acquire the North American fighter.
In the case of Czechia, the F-35s will replace, from 2035, the 14 Saab Gripen operated on a leasing basis. To this end, the local government is already talking to Sweden to expand the deltas' rental contract, scheduled to expire in 2027.
“It is an effective solution because the benefit of this system’s capabilities over its lifetime is significantly greater compared to the money we will pay than when purchasing another type of aircraft”, said Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala. “All true experts agree that 5th generation aircraft will solve the future of our tactical air force for decades to come, in contrast to lower generations of combat aircraft.”
While Czechia is now closer to g the contract with Washington, Romania is still discussing the deal internally. Bucharest wants to buy 48 stealth fighters, divided into two contracts, with the first covering 32 aircraft and the second the remaining 16 units. Valued at US$6,5 billion, it would be the largest defense acquisition in the country's history.
The Country's Supreme Defense Council (CSAT) has already approved the purchase and sent an official request to parliament. If authorized, it will be the largest defense acquisition in the country's history, valued at US$6,5 billion in the first phase alone. The value also includes training for pilots and mechanics, logistical services and weapons.
“We know that it takes a long time to operationalize such a capacity. What we propose is to start now and from the perspective of the 2030s, when the F-16 planes we have have exhausted their resources, so that we can switch to the new type of plane”, said the Chief of Staff of the Romanian Defense Forces, Daniel Petrescu. Currently, the Romanian Air Force has 17 used F-16 fighters, acquired from the Portuguese Air Force. The country also acquired another batch of 32 ex-Norway F-16s, which should be delivered later this year.
With the movements of both countries, the North American stealth fighter is on its way to consolidating two more customers in Europe, a continent where it already has a firm position with 10 partner countries.
