Romania Receives Three More Portugese F-16 Jets

Portugal’s Air Force last week officially transferred three more F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft to Romania.

On December 13, 2016, at the Air Base No. 5 (BA5) at Monte Real, was held the formal signing of the documents for the transfer of three more F-16 aircraft in the framework of the Disposal Program of these aircraft to Romania, the air force press release said.

The contract includes all aircraft configuration and maintenance records and aircraft log books, as well as the respective Airworthiness Certificate for export, issued by Portugal’s National Aeronautical Authority (AAN).

During the event was also handed over ancillary documentation by the General Directorate of National Defense Resources, the Ministry of National Defense under the Government Quality Assurance (GQA), which was requested by Romania.

The three-aircraft formation of Romanian F-16s took off from BA5 to 7:35 a.m. on December 15, 2016, and landed in Romania, Air Base Borcea, in the late afternoon.  

The Portuguese-Romanian deal was originally closed in 2013 for nearly €200 million (US$225 million), including the cost of the aircraft and training and logistical support. The 12 machines agreed upon were nine single-seater and three dual-seater F-16 jets. 

Romania received first six Falcons in September, and the remaining three, which are still undergoing upgrades, will be delivered next year in September 2017.