Romania has bought used F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters from Norway at a cost of $13m, but will only receive part of the first batch by the end of 2023

Romania has been actively trying to obtain Western fighter jets for several years. Last year, it managed to sign a contract with Norway for 32 F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. However, the speed of deliveries leaves much to be desired.

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Romania started negotiations with Norway in 2021. Last autumn, a contract was signed for 32 F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters worth €388 million ($415 million). The average price per aircraft was almost $13 million.

In fact, the fighters were even cheaper, because in addition to the F-16s themselves, the deal includes maintenance, as well as the supply of equipment, spare parts and components. Despite the fact that almost a year has passed since the contract was signed, Romania has not yet received a single aircraft.

Romanian Defence Minister Angel Tîlvăr said how the contract is progressing. According to him, the F-16s will arrive in the country in waves. The first batch is likely to consist of eight aircraft. Some of them will land in Romania by the end of 2023.

Romania purchased 32 Royal Norwegian Air Force F-16AM/BM fighters in the M6.5.2 configuration. The Romanian Air Force now operates a full squadron of 17 F-16s in the M5.2R configuration, which will be upgraded to the M6.6.

In addition, Bucharest will spend $6.5bn on 32 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets. However, deliveries of the fifth-generation aircraft will begin in about 10 years.

Source: Defence Romania