Romania Air Force Expands Fleet with F-16 Fighter Jets Transferred from Norway under U.S. Approval
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According to information published by the Romanian Ministry of National Defense on May 23, 2025, two additional F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets—part of the fleet acquired from the Kingdom of Norway—touched down at the 71st “General Emanoil Ionescu” Air Base in Câmpia Turzii on Thursday, May 22. These aircraft are set to join the Romanian Air Force’s 571st Fighter Squadron, which will eventually operate from the 57th “Captain Aviator Constantin Cantacuzino” Air Base in Mihail Kogălniceanu once infrastructure modernization is completed.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Romanian Air Force F-16 AM Block 20 MLU fighter jet, part of the fleet transferred by Norway under a NATO capability enhancement agreement. (Picture source: Wikimedia)
The newly delivered F-16 fighter jets will initially contribute to operational training and capability development at the 71st Air Base. The Romanian Ministry of Defense underlined that full operational capability for the 571st Fighter Squadron will be declared at its final location at the 57th Air Base, following the completion of extensive infrastructure upgrades. This transition marks a critical phase in Romania’s strategic enhancement of its air defense network, supporting both national defense objectives and the country’s role within NATO.
These two aircraft are part of a broader contract between the Romanian and Norwegian governments for the acquisition of 32 F-16AM/BM Block 20 MLU fighter jets, transferred with comprehensive logistical support and additional systems provided in coordination with the United States government. This tripartite arrangement ensures that Romania benefits not only from a robust fighter platform but also from the critical maintenance, training, and interoperability frameworks needed for NATO-standard operations.
Delivered in fully operational condition, the Norwegian-origin F-16s possess an expected operational lifespan of at least 10 years. This capability bridges Romania’s transition period until it procures 5th generation fighters, such as the F-35. The integration of these aircraft into the Romanian Air Force constitutes more than a simple transfer of airframes; it represents a deliberate transfer of capabilities and readiness within the NATO alliance.
To date, 18 of the 32 aircraft have been delivered. Sixteen of these are actively serving in the 48th Fighter Squadron stationed at the 71st Air Base in Câmpia Turzii. With the arrival of the two newest jets, the foundation has now been laid for the 571st Fighter Squadron at Mihail Kogălniceanu, a base of increasing strategic relevance on NATO’s eastern flank.
The expanded Romanian F-16 fleet will play a key role in NATO’s Air Policing Permanent Combat Service (SLP-PA), safeguarding allied and national airspace across peacetime and contingency operations. Romania’s investment in these versatile multi-role fighters significantly elevates its air combat posture, reinforcing both national sovereignty and alliance cohesion at a time of heightened regional security concerns.
The F-16AM/BM Block 20 MLU (Mid-Life Update) aircraft acquired by Romania are equipped with advanced avionics and systems that enhance their combat capabilities. These include the AN/APG-66(V)2 radar, which offers improved target detection and tracking, and the Modular Mission Computer (MMC) that supports modern weapon systems and mission planning. The aircraft are also compatible with a wide range of NATO-standard munitions, including AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, as well as precision-guided bombs. Additionally, the MLU program extends the service life of the airframes, ensuring their operational readiness for the next decade.
Romania’s broader modernization plan for its Air Force includes the acquisition of 32 F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation fighters, with deliveries expected to begin by 2030. This transition aims to replace the current F-16 fleet and further enhance the country’s air defense capabilities. The F-35 program encompasses not only the procurement of aircraft but also investments in infrastructure, training, and maintenance to support the new platform. This strategic move underscores Romania’s commitment to maintaining a modern and capable Air Force aligned with NATO standards.
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According to information published by the Romanian Ministry of National Defense on May 23, 2025, two additional F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets—part of the fleet acquired from the Kingdom of Norway—touched down at the 71st “General Emanoil Ionescu” Air Base in Câmpia Turzii on Thursday, May 22. These aircraft are set to join the Romanian Air Force’s 571st Fighter Squadron, which will eventually operate from the 57th “Captain Aviator Constantin Cantacuzino” Air Base in Mihail Kogălniceanu once infrastructure modernization is completed.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Romanian Air Force F-16 AM Block 20 MLU fighter jet, part of the fleet transferred by Norway under a NATO capability enhancement agreement. (Picture source: Wikimedia)
The newly delivered F-16 fighter jets will initially contribute to operational training and capability development at the 71st Air Base. The Romanian Ministry of Defense underlined that full operational capability for the 571st Fighter Squadron will be declared at its final location at the 57th Air Base, following the completion of extensive infrastructure upgrades. This transition marks a critical phase in Romania’s strategic enhancement of its air defense network, supporting both national defense objectives and the country’s role within NATO.
These two aircraft are part of a broader contract between the Romanian and Norwegian governments for the acquisition of 32 F-16AM/BM Block 20 MLU fighter jets, transferred with comprehensive logistical support and additional systems provided in coordination with the United States government. This tripartite arrangement ensures that Romania benefits not only from a robust fighter platform but also from the critical maintenance, training, and interoperability frameworks needed for NATO-standard operations.
Delivered in fully operational condition, the Norwegian-origin F-16s possess an expected operational lifespan of at least 10 years. This capability bridges Romania’s transition period until it procures 5th generation fighters, such as the F-35. The integration of these aircraft into the Romanian Air Force constitutes more than a simple transfer of airframes; it represents a deliberate transfer of capabilities and readiness within the NATO alliance.
To date, 18 of the 32 aircraft have been delivered. Sixteen of these are actively serving in the 48th Fighter Squadron stationed at the 71st Air Base in Câmpia Turzii. With the arrival of the two newest jets, the foundation has now been laid for the 571st Fighter Squadron at Mihail Kogălniceanu, a base of increasing strategic relevance on NATO’s eastern flank.
The expanded Romanian F-16 fleet will play a key role in NATO’s Air Policing Permanent Combat Service (SLP-PA), safeguarding allied and national airspace across peacetime and contingency operations. Romania’s investment in these versatile multi-role fighters significantly elevates its air combat posture, reinforcing both national sovereignty and alliance cohesion at a time of heightened regional security concerns.
The F-16AM/BM Block 20 MLU (Mid-Life Update) aircraft acquired by Romania are equipped with advanced avionics and systems that enhance their combat capabilities. These include the AN/APG-66(V)2 radar, which offers improved target detection and tracking, and the Modular Mission Computer (MMC) that supports modern weapon systems and mission planning. The aircraft are also compatible with a wide range of NATO-standard munitions, including AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, as well as precision-guided bombs. Additionally, the MLU program extends the service life of the airframes, ensuring their operational readiness for the next decade.
Romania’s broader modernization plan for its Air Force includes the acquisition of 32 F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation fighters, with deliveries expected to begin by 2030. This transition aims to replace the current F-16 fleet and further enhance the country’s air defense capabilities. The F-35 program encompasses not only the procurement of aircraft but also investments in infrastructure, training, and maintenance to support the new platform. This strategic move underscores Romania’s commitment to maintaining a modern and capable Air Force aligned with NATO standards.
