Romania Receives First Batch of Norwegian-Procured F-16s

The first batch of three F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, procured by Romania from Norway, touched down on April 19 at the 71st "General Emanoil Ionescu" Air Base in Câmpia Turzii.

These aircraft will be assigned to the 48th Fighter Squadron.

"By welcoming these three F-16s and anticipating the gradual arrival of a total of 32 Multirole F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft throughout this year and next, which will equip two additional squadrons of our Air Force," emphasized Minister of National Defense Angel Tîlvăr. "These aircraft will not only contribute to maintaining a robust allied defense posture and deterring aggression on our eastern flank but will also pave the way for our Air Force's transition to the 5th generation era with the future procurement of F-35 aircraft."

This marks the second delivery of three F-16 aircraft from Norway at the 86th Air Base "Lieutenant Aviator Gheorghe Mociorniță" in Borcea, adding to its fleet acquired under a €388 million deal—the largest military sale in Norway's history. These acquisitions, including 32 F-16AM/BM Block 15 MLU aircraft, spares, and support equipment, are part of Romania's air defense development program. Deliveries will continue through 2025, bringing the Romanian Air Force's F-16 fleet to 49, incorporating capabilities similar to USAF F-16C/D Block 50/52 aircraft.

The F-16s, purchased from Norway, are part of Romania's strategy to enhance NATO-level capabilities and integrate with existing squadron aircraft, maintaining national defense industry involvement in maintenance and modernization efforts under Aerostar Bacău Company's leadership.

Presently, the Romanian Air Force operates a fleet of 20 F-16 aircraft acquired under the provisions outlined in the Concept for the gradual development of air defense capabilities within the "Air Force Multirole Aircraft" Program.

The F-16 acquisition underscores Romania's commitment to enhancing national and NATO airspace defense through NATO's Air Police Permanent Combat Service.