The Romanian Ministry of National Defence has confirmed the arrival of three additional Lockheed Martin F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcon aircraft at the 71st Air Base “General Emanoil Ionescu” in Câmpia Turzii. This fourth batch, part of Romania’s acquisition from Norway, brings the total to twelve F-16s delivered, enabling a gradual re-equipment of the 48th Fighter Squadron.
This delivery is part of a EUR 388 million contract, signed in November 2022, for 32 F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcons formerly operated by Norway. These aircraft, initially phased out by the Royal Norwegian Air Force, will serve to replace Romania’s MiG-21 LanceR fleet, allowing Romania to form two new squadrons of Western multirole combat aircraft.
Preparations for Romanian service, including logistical support, spare parts, and ground support equipment, have been handled by Kongsberg facilities in Kjeller, Norway. Unlike prior aircraft sourced from Portugal, these Norwegian F-16s retain their original paint, with only national insignia and operational markings adapted to Romanian specifications.
The F-16 fleet in Romania now totals 29 aircraft, and additional pilot training is supported through Romania’s participation in the European F-16 Training Centre (EFTC) at the 86th Air Base in Fetești. This centre, with aircraft provided by the Netherlands, offers critical training for Romanian pilots as they transition to these advanced systems.
With a minimum operational expectancy of ten years, the Norwegian-sourced F-16s will bridge the capability gap as Romania prepares to transition to a fifth-generation fleet. In September, the United States Department of State approved the sale of 32 F-35A Lightning II jets to Romania, marking a pivotal step in its long-term air defence strategy and strengthening the security of NATO’s eastern flank. The full delivery of Norway’s F-16s is expected to conclude by the end of 2025.
Source: Romanian Ministry of National Defence.