Romania Receives More F-16s From Norway to Bolster Air Defense

Norway has delivered two more F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft to Romania to enhance its airspace defense efforts.

The new aircraft “will contribute to strengthening our country’s security by conducting missions to defend national and allied airspace, both in peacetime and in crisis situations,” the Romanian government stated.

The newly delivered systems are part of a $400-million contract signed in June 2023 between Romania and Norway for 32 F-16s.

Their deal includes initial logistical support and a complementary package from the US to replace the country’s aging Soviet-era MiG-21 fleet.

To date, 18 aircraft have been delivered. The 71st Air Base in Câmpia Turzii, located in north-central Romania, hosts 16 F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 48th Fighter Squadron.

Two additional aircraft are stationed at the 57th Air Base in Mihail Kogălniceanu, in the country’s southeast near the Black Sea, with the 571st Fighter Squadron.

Bucharest Boosting Defense

Romania seeks to enhance its defense posture amid a tense regional climate, as the country’s proximity to the Russia-Ukraine conflict has raised airspace security concerns for Bucharest, NATO, and Europe.

Earlier this month, Romania revealed plans to purchase 246 tracked infantry fighting vehicles for its armed forces.

In April, Washington approved the $280-million sale of a Patriot air defense system to the Balkan nation, including one AN/MPQ-65 radar, one AN/MSQ-132 control station, and two M903 launchers.

Moreover, the country is set to boost its military ranks, aiming to increase its active-duty troops from 81,000 to 100,000 within four years.