While negotiating the purchase of F-35As from the U.S., the Romanian Air Force continues advancing the incorporation of 32 F-16A/B MLU fighters acquired from Norway

As part of the process of incorporating 32 F-16A/B MLU fighter jets acquired from Norway, the Romanian Air Force has completed the reception and integration of two new aircraft from the Scandinavian country. The information was officially confirmed by the Romanian Ministry of Defense, with the landing of the aforementioned aircraft at the “General Emanoil Ionescu” Air Base on May 22.

As part of its equipment modernization programs, Romania is actively incorporating the 32 F-16A/B MLU fighters purchased from Norway, a country that is replacing its fleet with new fifth-generation F-35A aircraft.

The program, which involves the refurbishment and upgrade of the jets by Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services (KAMS), has also received support from the United States. Through the Department of State, the U.S. has authorized the sale of upgrade packages and weapons to Romania over the past months and years.

It is worth noting that although these F-16s effectively replace the retired MiG-21 LanceRs—phased out in May 2023—and complement the Fighting Falcons previously acquired from Portugal and the United States, they also serve as an interim solution for the Romanian Air Force while Bucharest continues negotiations to finalize the acquisition of new stealth F-35A fighters.

According to recent reports, with the arrival of the two new aircraft on May 22—which will be integrated into the 571st Squadron based at the “Captain Aviator Constantin Cantacuzino” Air Base, located at Mihail Kogălniceanu Airport—the Romanian Air Force now has 18 of the 32 fighters acquired from Norway, considering the deliveries made in February and May.

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