ATHENS

Romania plans to buy the US F-35 fighter jets to bolster its air defense capabilities, the country’s Supreme Defense Council said.

The process of modernization of the Romanian air force will continue with the purchase of the latest generation F-35 aircraft, the council said in a statement.

“Possessing robust, credible, interoperable, flexible and efficient air defense operational capabilities … as part of our commitments as a NATO and EU member is essential to Romania meeting defense policy objectives,” the statement said.

The statement also stressed that the country should continue its efforts to ensure necessary support for other vulnerable partners in the region.

“It is primarily about the Republic of Moldova, which, after Ukraine, is the most exposed to Russian aggression and pressure,” it said.