The event was attended by Norway’s Ambassador to Romania, Hilde Svartdal Lunde, and the Chief of Air Force Staff, Lieutenant General Leonard-Gabriel Baraboi. The ceremony highlighted the completion of Romania’s acquisition of 32 F-16 aircraft from Norway’s Air Force surplus, a key step in strengthening national and NATO air defence.
Minister Tîlvăr stressed the importance of this procurement in enhancing Romania’s security and NATO’s eastern flank. He stated that the Romanian Air Force will soon operate three fully equipped F-16 squadrons at three separate air bases, significantly improving its air policing and defence capabilities.
He also acknowledged Norway’s commitment to fulfilling the terms of the agreement and emphasised the strong bilateral defence cooperation between the two nations. He noted that this partnership plays a vital role in Romania’s long-term military modernisation efforts.
Reflecting on Romania’s decision to transition to modern fighter aircraft, Minister Tîlvăr highlighted the F-16 programme’s success in transforming the Air Force’s operational capabilities. He pointed out that the transition prepares Romania for the future acquisition of fifth-generation F-35 aircraft, further advancing national defence.
The minister also underlined the involvement of Romania’s national defence industry in the F-16 programme. The modernisation of all Romanian F-16s to the M6.6 standard will be carried out domestically at Aerostar Bacău, reinforcing national expertise and industrial capacity.
During the event, officials visited infrastructure development projects at the 71st Air Base, aimed at expanding and modernising the facility. The programme concluded with a tactical exercise involving F-16 formations, demonstrating the squadron’s combat readiness.
Romania expects to receive an additional 16 F-16 aircraft from Norway by the end of the year. These jets will form part of the newly established 571st Fighter Squadron at the 57th “Captain Aviator Constantin Cantacuzino” Air Base in Mihail Kogălniceanu, further strengthening national and allied air policing missions.
