Norway Hands Over First 3 of 32 F-16 Jets Sold to Romania

Norway has initiated the delivery of overhauled F-16 fighter jets to Romania, with three Romanian pilots set to fly these aircraft back home in a ceremony at Rygge Airfield.

The purchase of these F-16s is a strategic move by Romania, an allied nation in NATO's eastern flank, sharing borders with Ukraine. Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram, representing the Centre Party, underscored the importance of this delivery, emphasizing its role in fortifying Romania's defense.

These F-16s were part of Norway's Air Force, phased out in 2021 to make way for F-35s. The Norwegian Defence Material Agency (FMA) has diligently overseen the sale of 32 F-16s to Romania, with the first batch now ready for deployment after extensive modifications and certifications.

The collaborative efforts of the Norwegian Defence Material Agency and Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services (KAMS) have been crucial in ensuring these fighter jets meet both Norwegian and U.S. government standards. Minister Gram acknowledged the comprehensive nature of the contract, which not only includes the delivery of fighter jets but also encompasses two fighter jet squadrons, spare parts, support equipment, and technician training.

The phased delivery of these fighter jets between 2024 and 2025 provides Romania with a timeline to develop expertise among its pilots and technicians.

The Norwegian Defence Material Agency said it is committed to assisting the Romanian air force with knowledge transfer and sharing experiences related to the operation of F-16s.