Signing ceremony of the Protocol on the initiation of the Romanian Air Force Transition Programme to the fifth generation aircraft, the F-35

 

Minister of National Defence, Angel Tîlvăr, and the US Ambassador, Kathleen Kavalec, signed on Thursday, November 21st, at Victoria Palace, the Protocol on the initiation of the Romanian Air Force Transition Programme to fifth generation aircraft, F-35, in the presence of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and other Romanian and American officials. 

In the speech delivered on this occasion, Minister Tîlvăr emphasized that the signing of the agreement for the purchase of F-35 aircraft is part of a broad strategy for the modernization of Romanian Armed Forces, which aims to provide an adequate response to current and future security challenges.

"Investing in modern technology and state-of-the-art defence capabilities is a guarantee for a more secure future. The 32 aircraft for which the purchase contract was signed between the Governments of Romania and the United States of America represent the pinnacle of aviation performance at the moment, at global level, and will provide for interoperability with NATO allies," the Minister of National Defence stated. 

Angel Tîlvăr has also indicated that today's event represents a key moment for strengthening Romania's military capabilities and national security and ensures our country a strategically strengthened position in the region, where it acts as NATO's pillar of stability.

"This agreement is also an expression of the development and consolidation of economic partnerships between Romania and the USA, with significant economic impact in key areas of the defence industry and technology, which provides a new dimension to the Strategic Partnership with the United States of America. In the current security context, our partnership is stronger than ever, and the solidarity of the US with Romania, proven by the substantial presence of troops on our country’s territory, contributes to the strengthening of the defence of the Eastern flank of the Alliance, in the Black Sea region", Minister Tîlvăr emphasized.

Minister of National Defence mentioned that the Government of Romania remains firmly committed to allocating 2.5% of GDP for defence expenditures, according to the commitments undertaken within NATO. "This is not just a symbolic figure, but a concrete commitment to the citizens’ safety and to the stability of the entire region. The measures point out Romania's determination to support regional stability and respond to challenges efficiently and rapidly. Our country remains a responsible ally and a security provider on the eastern flank of the Alliance, and the signing of the protocol for the F-35 aircraft is only one step in a continuous modernization and consolidation process of the armed forces", Angel Tîlvăr concluded.

The Press Office