Romania is eyeing a new fleet of F-35 Lightening II fighters, spelling good news for BAE Systems PLC (LSE:BA.) which co-produces the fifth-generation jets.
"Having robust, credible, interoperable, flexible and efficient air defence operational capabilities [...] is key to Romania meeting its defence policy objectives,” the NATO member’s supreme defence council said on Tuesday.
"The air force's modernisation process will continue through the acquisition of last generation F-35 jets," the council confirmed.
BAE produces around 15% of each F-35, partnering with Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) and Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) to build the US, UK, Australian and Canadian-operated jets.
By the end of 2022, BAE had produced over 1,200 parts for the F-35 programme, accounting for 16% and 14% of its electronic systems and aircraft deliveries respectively, helping total sales to rise by 3% to £7.7bn.
Romania is yet to confirm time frames and how many jets it is looking to purchase, though the deal would become the latest in a string of defence contracts it has signed since the Ukraine War began.
BAE and its partners signed a £147mln contract with the UK government in early April to support operations related to the F-35 meanwhile.
BAE shares rose 1% to 1,022.5p