Bucharest, September 2 - Romania bolstered its air defense capabilities by receiving three additional Lockheed Martin F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcon aircraft from Norway, as part of a significant bilateral defense agreement between the two NATO allies. The aircraft touched down at the 86th Air Base Borcea near Fetești, marking a continuation of Romania’s strategic effort to modernize its air force and enhance its role in NATO’s eastern flank. This delivery brings the total number of F-16s transferred from Norway to 21, out of a contracted total of 32, with the remaining 11 expected to arrive by the end of 2025. The agreement, valued at €388 million, includes the aircraft and spare parts, support equipment, maintenance, and technical training provided by Norwegian industry, with additional support from the United States to configure the jets to the M6.5.2 Romanian standard. These aircraft, previously operated by the Royal Norwegian Air Force until their retirement in 2022, are in operational condition and expected to serve for at least a decade, bridging the gap until Romania transitions to fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighters under a $7.2 billion contract signed in November 2024.
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The newly delivered F-16s will be assigned to the 571st Fighter Squadron, which is set to operate from the 57th Air Base at Mihail Kogălniceanu once its modernization to support Western combat aircraft is complete. This follows the earlier integration of 15 Norwegian F-16s into the 48th Fighter Squadron at the 71st Air Base in Câmpia Turzii, with deliveries beginning in November 2023. Romania’s acquisition of these aircraft is part of a broader strategy to phase out its outdated Soviet-era MiG-21 LanceR jets, which were retired in May 2023 after six decades of service. The Norwegian F-16s, combined with 17 previously acquired from Portugal, will bring Romania’s total F-16 fleet to 49, equipping three fighter squadrons to protect national and NATO airspace under the Permanent Combat Service – Air Police (SLP-PA) mission. The aircraft features advanced systems, including the AN/APG-66(V)2 radar and compatibility with NATO-standard munitions like AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, ensuring interoperability and enhanced combat effectiveness.
The bilateral agreement with Norway, finalized in November 2022, represents the largest sale of military equipment in Norway’s history and underscores the strong cooperation between NATO members. The Norwegian Defense Materiel Agency, in collaboration with Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services, has overseen extensive maintenance and upgrades to ensure the F-16s meet Romania’s operational requirements. This transfer not only strengthens Romania’s air defense but also provides economic benefits to Norway through industrial involvement. Additionally, Romania is exploring the potential acquisition of 18 more F-16s from the Netherlands, currently stationed at the 86th Air Base as part of the European F-16 Training Center (EFTC), a multinational initiative established in 2023 to train Romanian and allied pilots, including Ukrainians. The EFTC, supported by Lockheed Martin and the Netherlands, enhances Romania’s role as a regional hub for F-16 operations.
Romania’s acquisition of Norwegian F-16s is a critical step in its air force modernization, aligning with its long-term goal of integrating fifth-generation fighters by 2030. The F-35 program, approved in April 2023, will see Romania acquire 48 aircraft in two phases, replacing the F-16 fleet between 2034 and 2040. Until then, the F-16s provide a robust platform for air policing and defense missions, reinforcing Romania’s commitment to NATO’s collective security. The operational lifespan of the Norwegian jets, combined with ongoing infrastructure upgrades and pilot training, ensures Romania’s air force remains a capable force on NATO’s eastern flank, particularly given its strategic position bordering Ukraine. This transfer of capabilities highlights the importance of allied cooperation in maintaining regional stability and deterrence.