Norwegian F-16s have not yet been written off, but they are already selling out. Yesterday, December 12, the portal defenseromania.ro He reported that the Romanian Defense Ministry had requested approval from Parliament for the purchase of F-16 fighters.
The potential deal is estimated at €354 million. For this money, the Romanian army will receive 32 M6.5.2 fighter aircraft. Romania will have to spend another €100 million on logistics support and modernization from American companies.
Romanian Air Force F-16 fighter
Image source: defenseromania.ro
Earlier, Romania replaced the remnants of Soviet combat aviation with F-16 fighters of the Block 15 Mid-Life Upgrade modification. In 2013, the first 12 aircraft were ordered, and in 2019, 5 more units were purchased. Now Romania intends to purchase 32 more F-16 units. The former Norwegian fighters have a more advanced modification, but more flight hours (an average of 10,000 hours per aircraft). These aircraft will allow Romania to fulfill its duties as a member of NATO. At the same time, the Romanian Defense Ministry indicates that after 2030 they intend to replace the F-16 with new F-35 fighters.
