Romania Receives Three More F-16 Fighter Jets from Norway Extending Airpower Edge
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According to information published by the Romanian Ministry of National Defence on August 28, 2025, three additional Lockheed Martin F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcon multirole fighter jets delivered from Norway arrived at the 86th Air Base Borcea, near Fetești. These aircraft are part of a broader rearmament effort aimed at strengthening Romania’s air combat capabilities and will be assigned to the 571st Fighter Squadron, which is set to operate from the 57th Air Base once its ongoing modernization is completed.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Three newly delivered F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcons fighter jets from Norway taxi at Romania’s 86th Air Base Borcea on August 28, 2025, marking a key step in the Romanian Air Force’s transition to a fully modernized multirole fighter fleet. (Picture source: Romania MoD)
The three newly delivered of F-16 fighter jets raise the total number of F-16s transferred from Norway to 21 out of a planned 32 under a €388 million contract signed in November 2021. This contract includes not only the airframes but also associated equipment, spare parts, logistics support, and pilot training. The remaining 11 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered before the end of 2025. The Romanian F-16s are being upgraded to the M6.5.2 standard, a specific configuration tailored to Romanian and NATO operational requirements, enhancing their mission flexibility and interoperability.
This recent delivery is a milestone in Romania’s comprehensive air force modernization strategy, which began with the acquisition of 17 F-16s from Portugal between 2016 and 2021. Once the full Norwegian batch is received, the Romanian Air Force will operate 49 F-16AM/BM fighters across three squadrons. These aircraft are being integrated to replace the Soviet-era MiG-21 LanceR fighters, officially retired from active service in May 2023, and to maintain national airspace defense until the introduction of fifth-generation platforms.
The F-16AM/BM aircraft are based on early Block 15 airframes that have undergone the NATO Mid-Life Update (MLU) program. These jets are equipped with upgraded mission computers, NATO-standard Link 16 datalink, modernized radar systems, and improved cockpit ergonomics. They are powered by Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 engines, providing 10,886 kg of thrust with afterburner. While not as advanced as the F-16V variant, the AM/BM versions remain highly capable, with multirole functionality supporting air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. Their weapons suite includes AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9 Sidewinder, AGM-65 Maverick, JDAM, and a variety of precision-guided munitions.
The modernization of the 57th Air Base, where the 571st Squadron will be stationed, is a cornerstone of Romania’s defense infrastructure overhaul. The site is undergoing a multi-year upgrade program to NATO standards, with plans to develop a full-service “military city” capable of supporting allied deployment rotations, including facilities for logistics, maintenance, accommodation, healthcare, and education. A new runway is expected to become operational by 2027, with the base positioned to play a pivotal role in NATO’s eastern air defense posture.
Romania’s strategic modernization path is further underscored by its commitment to acquiring 32 F-35A Lightning II fighters, with the procurement officially confirmed in November 2024. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2030, positioning Romania among the first Eastern European nations to operate fifth-generation combat aircraft. The current F-16 fleet will serve as an operational bridge until the F-35s reach full operational capability between 2034 and 2040.
As discussions continue regarding a potential future transfer of 18 Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16s currently stationed at the 86th Air Base, Romania could further expand its multirole fighter inventory. While no final agreement has been reached, the option remains open, further signaling Romania’s intent to establish itself as a leading airpower contributor on NATO’s southeastern flank.
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According to information published by the Romanian Ministry of National Defence on August 28, 2025, three additional Lockheed Martin F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcon multirole fighter jets delivered from Norway arrived at the 86th Air Base Borcea, near Fetești. These aircraft are part of a broader rearmament effort aimed at strengthening Romania’s air combat capabilities and will be assigned to the 571st Fighter Squadron, which is set to operate from the 57th Air Base once its ongoing modernization is completed.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Three newly delivered F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcons fighter jets from Norway taxi at Romania’s 86th Air Base Borcea on August 28, 2025, marking a key step in the Romanian Air Force’s transition to a fully modernized multirole fighter fleet. (Picture source: Romania MoD)
The three newly delivered of F-16 fighter jets raise the total number of F-16s transferred from Norway to 21 out of a planned 32 under a €388 million contract signed in November 2021. This contract includes not only the airframes but also associated equipment, spare parts, logistics support, and pilot training. The remaining 11 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered before the end of 2025. The Romanian F-16s are being upgraded to the M6.5.2 standard, a specific configuration tailored to Romanian and NATO operational requirements, enhancing their mission flexibility and interoperability.
This recent delivery is a milestone in Romania’s comprehensive air force modernization strategy, which began with the acquisition of 17 F-16s from Portugal between 2016 and 2021. Once the full Norwegian batch is received, the Romanian Air Force will operate 49 F-16AM/BM fighters across three squadrons. These aircraft are being integrated to replace the Soviet-era MiG-21 LanceR fighters, officially retired from active service in May 2023, and to maintain national airspace defense until the introduction of fifth-generation platforms.
The F-16AM/BM aircraft are based on early Block 15 airframes that have undergone the NATO Mid-Life Update (MLU) program. These jets are equipped with upgraded mission computers, NATO-standard Link 16 datalink, modernized radar systems, and improved cockpit ergonomics. They are powered by Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 engines, providing 10,886 kg of thrust with afterburner. While not as advanced as the F-16V variant, the AM/BM versions remain highly capable, with multirole functionality supporting air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. Their weapons suite includes AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9 Sidewinder, AGM-65 Maverick, JDAM, and a variety of precision-guided munitions.
The modernization of the 57th Air Base, where the 571st Squadron will be stationed, is a cornerstone of Romania’s defense infrastructure overhaul. The site is undergoing a multi-year upgrade program to NATO standards, with plans to develop a full-service “military city” capable of supporting allied deployment rotations, including facilities for logistics, maintenance, accommodation, healthcare, and education. A new runway is expected to become operational by 2027, with the base positioned to play a pivotal role in NATO’s eastern air defense posture.
Romania’s strategic modernization path is further underscored by its commitment to acquiring 32 F-35A Lightning II fighters, with the procurement officially confirmed in November 2024. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2030, positioning Romania among the first Eastern European nations to operate fifth-generation combat aircraft. The current F-16 fleet will serve as an operational bridge until the F-35s reach full operational capability between 2034 and 2040.
As discussions continue regarding a potential future transfer of 18 Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16s currently stationed at the 86th Air Base, Romania could further expand its multirole fighter inventory. While no final agreement has been reached, the option remains open, further signaling Romania’s intent to establish itself as a leading airpower contributor on NATO’s southeastern flank.
