The Romanian Air Force continues to make steady progress with the incorporation of the 32 F-16A/B MLU fighters acquired from Norway. This was reported in a recent publication by the Romanian Ministry of Defense, announcing the arrival of another aircraft, thus adding to the batch of combat aircraft received in December 2024. The official delivery schedule began in November 2023, aiming to replace the MiG-21 Lancers, which were retired in May of the same year.
The acquisition of the 32 F-16 fighters from Norway is part of an ambitious rearmament program for the Romanian Armed Forces. One of the key milestones outlined in the roadmap by Romanian authorities is the future incorporation of 32 F-35A aircraft. This batch of Fighting Falcons will ensure the Romanian Air Force’s combat capabilities for the next ten years while the transition to the stealth fighters acquired from the United States progresses.
In this context, Romania has been making consistent progress in incorporating the aircraft from Norway, which are overhauled by Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services (KAMS) before being delivered to the Romanian Air Force.
As of today, a total of 16 units have arrived at the 71st Air Base “General Emanoil Ionescu” in Câmpia Turzii. The most recent aircraft, tail number “1619,” arrived at the unit on January 30, joining the batch of three aircraft received in December, identified as “1636” and “1638” for the single-seaters, and “1646” for the twin-seater.
With this latest delivery, the Romanian Ministry of Defense highlighted that the 48th Fighter Squadron has completed its planned F-16 fleet, stating: “The acquisition of the new batch of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, along with the associated package of goods and services, ensures the enhancement of Romania’s security by defending national/NATO airspace in peacetime and crisis situations through the NATO-led Permanent Air Policing Combat Service.”
Photos: Romanian Ministry of Defense.
