President Klaus Iohannis on Friday promulgated the law regarding the acquisition of 32 F-35 aircraft.

The normative act aims to achieve the operational air defence capability provided for in the Concept for achieving the operational air defence capability with 5th generation multirole aircraft, within the „5th generation multirole aircraft, F-35” acquisition programme, Phase I, and some measures regarding the implementation of Government-to-Government contracts specific to the Foreign Military Sales Programme.

The law provides for the award by the Government of Romania to the Government of the United States of America of Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) type of contracts for the acquisition of 32 F-35 aircraft, engines, ammunition, initial logistical support, permanent access to the global F-35 support chain, equipment and services for training aviation flight personnel, support personnel and aviation technical-engineering personnel, cryptographic equipment with special regime, specialized assistance, as well as the implementation of industrial cooperation projects consisting of technology or product transfer.

The necessary funds are provided from the state budget, through the budget of the Ministry of National Defence, or through loans or loan guarantees provided by the US Government or through a combination thereof. It is also proposed that the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism conclude agreements of understanding with the manufacturer of the F-35 aircraft for the implementation of industrial cooperation projects.

AGERPRES