Romania to buy F-16 fighter jets from Norway

The Romanian government adopted a bill on buying 32 used F-16 fighter jets from Norway.

European Pravda reported about this with reference to Euractiv.

The fighter jets will be upgraded at a Romanian factory and should be used for at least 10 years as a transition period towards acquiring fifth-generation fighters, such as the F-35.

The deal also includes logistical support, as well as additional equipment and services package provided by the US government. In December 2021, the Romanian Parliament arranged the purchase.

The total cost is estimated at €454 million. The 32 F-16 planes would cost around €354 million, while the cost of logistic support and equipment from the US government is estimated at €100 million.

The Romanian Air Force currently operates seventeen F-16AM / BMs at the 86th Borca-Fetesti Air Base. Those planes were previously used by the Portuguese Armed Forces.

In 2013, the Romanian Ministry of Defense signed a contract to get the first 12 F-16 fighter aircraft from the Portuguese Air Force. The deal worth €628 million entered into force on 30 September 2013.

The aircraft were delivered between September 2016 and September 2017. The Romanian Air Force has received 12 F-16AM / BM MLU (Mid-Life Upgrade) Block 15 “Fighting Falcon” jets, including nine single-seater F-16AMs and three two-seater F-16BMs. They were part of the Romanian 53rd Fighter Squadron.

In December 2019, a contract for five additional fighter jets was signed. The €130 million deal included F-16 fighter jets, modifications to meet Romania’s requirements, personnel training, and servicing equipment.

Norway’s fighter jets have the M6.5.2 modification, which is better than the M.5.2R modification available in Romania. When necessary procedures are completed, the aircraft will be overhauled.

Romania’s current main combat aircraft are based on Soviet-era MiG-21 LanceR fighters upgraded several decades ago in collaboration with the Israeli company Elbit Systems.

This spring, the Romanian army stopped using all MiG-21s after several incidents. Since then, the air police became the only agency permitted to operate MiG-21s to ensure that pilots maintain their qualifications. By May 2023, the Romanian Air Force is to decommission these aircraft.