Romanian Air Force reportedly looking to train F-35 pilots in US by 2030
The Romanian Army could have its first F-35 pilots in training in the United States in about 7 years' time, but only if the current timetable is respected.
The status update on the F-35s was given exclusively to state broadcaster TVR News by General Viorel Pană, the Chief of the Air Forces. Analysts warn that in order for this to happen, the contract should be signed this year, as reported by journalist Adelin Petrișor on his blog and cited by G4Media.
The Romanian Air Force's plan is to begin the acquisition of F-35 A aircraft, the variant without vertical landing, starting this year. This is the most advanced stealth fighter aircraft, essentially a platform with state-of-the-art radar-invisible sensors.
Aviation leaders are not disclosing the number of aircraft to be contracted, so the costs cannot be estimated. Poland, however, contracted 32 aircraft a few years ago at a cost of USD 4.6 bln.
"Obviously, I cannot disclose numbers, but we are heading towards three squadrons as well," Viorel Pană told TVR.
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