The Romanian Department of Defense announced the arrival of three F-16AM fighter jets purchased from Norway to Borcea Flybase, headquarters for the 86th military division. The aircraft are part of the modernization program, which aims to strengthen the country’s air fighting capacities.
With the new delivery, the number of fighter jets already received to 21 of the 32 agreed in the contract signed in November 2021, worth 388 million euros. The agreement includes, in addition to the aircraft, equipment, spare parts, logistic support and pilot training.
The remaining 11 units will be delivered by the end of 2025.
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Modernization and NATO standard
All F-16 are updated to the M6.5.2 standard, in accordance with Romania and NATO’s operational requirements. This upgrade improves compatibility for joint operations and increases the flexibility of the assignments.
The aircraft were originally developed from the hulls of Block 15 and underwent NATO’s Mid-Life Update Program (MLU), and received advanced assignment computers, link 16-data link, modernized radars and more ergonomic cockpits.
Replacement of MIG-21
The gradual introduction of the F-16 marks a new phase in Romania’s air defense moderning strategy, which started with the purchase of 17 aircraft from Portugal between 2016 and 2021.
With the completion of the contract with Norway, the Romanian fleet will consist of 49 F-16AM/BM, divided into three squadrons, and replace the Soviet-produced MIG-21 Lancer, which was taken out of operation in May 2023.
These fighter jets will remain the spine of Romania’s air defense up to the fifth generation platforms are being used.
Technical capacities
The F-16AM/BM is equipped with Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 engines, which provides a thrust of 10,886 kg of afterburner. Although they do not reach the level of the modern F-16V, these models provide high efficiency in assignments, and can use weapons such as AIM-12 amraam, AIM-9 Sidewinder, AGM-65 Maverick and JDAM-controlled bombs.
Source and images: Ministerului Apsyni Naționale / X @mapnromania. This content was created with the help of KI and reviewed by the editorial staff.
