2024-07-05 06:21:35
Three F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft purchased by Romania from Norway have arrived at the 71st Romanian Air Base “General Emanoil Ionescu” in Campia Turzii (Cluj County). This was reported by the press service of the Romanian Defense Ministry, Day.Az reports with reference to TASS.
National Defence Minister Angel Tilvar said the fighter jets would “significantly strengthen the security of Romania and NATO’s eastern flank by carrying out tasks to protect national airspace.”
The combat aircraft will be deployed by the 48th Fighter Squadron based at Campia Turzii Air Base. Romania has thus far received 9 of the 32 F-16 aircraft it purchased from Norway. The entire batch is expected to arrive in the country by the end of next year.
The Romanian government has awarded Norway a contract to acquire 32 F-16 aircraft with initial logistics support and a package of additional goods and services from the U.S. government. The F-16s will be in service for at least 10 years during the transition to fifth-generation aircraft.
The decision to purchase American fifth-generation F-35 fighters was made in April 2024. In the first stage, it is planned to purchase 32 aircraft, in the second – another 16. The estimated cost of the program is $6.5 billion. The F-35s are expected to arrive in Romania after 2030.