Romania completes 48th Fighter Squadron as F-16 deliveries progress

The event also marks the midway point in the delivery process of second-hand Norwegian F-16 aircraft. Romania now operates a total of 33 F-16s, with the remaining 15 aircraft expected to arrive by the end of 2025. The aircraft are undergoing refurbishment at Kongsberg’s Kjeller facility in Norway before transfer to Romania.

This procurement is part of Romania’s Air Force Multirole Aircraft programme, launched to replace the aging MiG-21 LanceR fleet. The transition began with the acquisition of 17 F-16s from Portugal between 2016-2017 and 2020-2021, followed by 32 additional jets from Norway in November 2022. Unlike the Portuguese aircraft, the Norwegian jets retain their original paint, with only national insignia and markings updated.

The F-16 fleet will be operational for approximately a decade, serving as a bridge capability until Romania transitions to a fifth-generation fighter fleet. In November 2024, Romania signed an agreement with the United States to purchase 32 F-35A Lightning II aircraft, securing its long-term defence strategy.

To maximise the effectiveness of the F-16s, Romania is also acquiring new weaponry from the United States, including AIM-120C AMRAAM and AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. These advanced munitions will bolster Romania’s ability to defend national and NATO airspace through permanent combat readiness and air policing missions.