Romania acquires additional two F-16 fighter jets from Norway
Romania's Air Force Reinforcements Arrive: Two F-16 Fighting Falcons Delivered from Norway
Romania has received two additional F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from Norway, marking the latest addition to its ongoing modernization efforts for the air force. On Thursday, May 22, the jets landed at the 71st Air Base "General Emanoil Ionescu" in Câmpia Turzii, as announced by the Ministry of Defense.
The delivery is part of a broader agreement between the Romanian and Norwegian governments, involving the acquisition of 32 F-16s, an initial logistics support package, and additional equipment and services provided by the US government. To date, 18 of the 32 aircraft have been delivered, with 16 already assigned to the 48th Fighter Squadron at Câmpia Turzii, while the two latest additions will be integrated into the 571st Fighter Squadron based at Mihail Kogălniceanu.
These aircraft will join the existing fleet of the Romanian Air Force, strengthening national and allied airspace defense missions. Operating under both national and NATO command, the jets will fulfill their duties as part of the Permanent Combat Service - Air Policing (SLP-PA) in both peacetime and crisis situations.
The Norwegian-delivered aircraft are operational and expected to serve Romania for at least 10 years, providing a bridge until the transition to fifth-generation fighter jets. The operational capability of the 571st Squadron will initially be developed at the 71st Air Base before transitioning to the 57th Air Base once infrastructure projects are completed.
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(Photo source: Facebook/Ministerul Apararii Nationale Romania)
References:[1] Romania Insider (2025, May 22). Romania Receives Two More F-16 Fighting Falcons from Norway. Retrieved from https://www.romania-insider.com/romania-receives-two-more-f-16-fighting-falcons-from-norway/
The acquisitions fall under a wider agreement, encompassing not only the delivery of aircraft but also finance for logistics support and additional equipment, with contributions from the US government. As these F-16s join Romania's aerospace industry, they will significantly reinforce the nation's and allied airspace defenses.
