The operational capability of the 571st Squadron will initially be developed at the 71st Air Base. Full operational capability will be achieved at the 57th Air Base once the required infrastructure project is completed.
The two new aircraft join the existing fleet already in service with the Romanian Air Force. They will support national defence and allied airspace protection missions through NATO’s Air Policing Permanent Combat Service (SLP-PA), both in peacetime and during crisis situations.
This delivery is part of the contract between the Government of Romania and the Government of the Kingdom of Norway for the purchase of 32 F-16 aircraft. The agreement includes initial logistical support and an additional package of goods and services provided by the United States Government.
The aircraft have been delivered in operational condition and are expected to serve for a 10-year transition period. This enables Romania’s gradual shift to fifth-generation fighter jets and represents a transfer of capabilities between two NATO allies.
So far, 18 aircraft have been delivered under this programme. Sixteen are assigned to the 48th Fighter Squadron in Câmpia Turzii, while the two latest arrivals are allocated to the 571st Fighter Squadron in Mihail Kogălniceanu.
Source: Romanian Ministry of National Defence.
