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F-16 Peace Sky

The US State Department made a determination 30 June 2023 approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Romania of equipment and services to modernize thirty-two (32) F-16 Mid-Life Update Block 10/15 aircraft to be procured through third-party transfer from Norway. The equipment includes KY-58M and KIV-78 cryptographic devices for an estimated cost of $105 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.

The Government of Romania has requested to buy equipment and services to modernize thirty-two (32) F-16 Mid-Life Update Block 10/15 aircraft to be procured through third-party transfer from Norway. The equipment includes KY-58M and KIV-78 cryptographic devices; AN/PYQ-10C Simple Key Loaders; Joint Mission Planning Systems; Night Vision Device (NVD) aviator vision systems and spare Image Intensifier Tubes; Electronic Warfare database support; Classified/Unclassified Computer Program Identification Number Systems (CPIN) and CPIN Electronic Combat International Security Assistance Program (ECISAP) equipment and support; flight test services; integration and test support and equipment; aircraft support equipment; secure communications equipment, precision navigation, and cryptographic devices; Classified/ Unclassified software delivery and support; spare parts, consumables and accessories, and repair and return support; maintenance and maintenance support; studies/surveys;

On 11 October 2013 the Governments of Romania and Portugal signed the contract for the acquisition of 12 F-16 modernized aircraft that will equip the Romanian Air Force. At the end of the technical and financial negotiations, the acquisition contract was signed after the transfer was authorized by the American side. This kind of authorization by the US Congress is required before any agreement.

The aircraft will be upgraded and the engines will undergo capital repairs. The Romanian personnel, namely 9 pilots and 75 technicians, that will operate F-16 aircraft, will start training in Portugal. The first aircraft were scheduled to be delivered in Romania in 2016, so that by the end of 2017, the aircraft reach the operational level needed to operate them in combat, in agreement with the contract signed with Portuguese Government and with the subsequent contracts to be signed with the US Government. The Government of Romania will use the aircraft to increase the security of its airspace and the interoperability with NATO forces.

The Romanian air force was prepared for its first delivery of a batch of 12 second hand F-16s from the Portuguese air force in September 2016 to replace the locally upgraded Mikoyan MiG-21 Lancers. Initial operating capability of the aircraft, which cost the government $695 million, was expected in early 2017. Romania modernized the Fetesti 86 military base which will host the first F16 fighters. On 24 February 2016 the Romanian Ministry of Defense announced plans to purchase 12 more second-hand F-16 fighters in 2017. The airplanes will be purchased from other NATO member states.

On 04 November 2022, Norway announced that the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) had signed a contract with Romania for the sale of 32 Norwegian F-16 aircraft. The deal included 32 aircraft along with spare parts and support equipment, as well as maintenance and technical training services. Under the contract all aircraft are to undergo necessary maintenance and aircraft modification to M6.5.2 Romanian configuration with US support prior to delivery, currently scheduled for 2023-24. This work it to be conducted by Norwegian industry, which is to also provide training and other logistical services to support the long-term availability of the aircraft.

On 13 December 2021 Romania’s Ministry of Defence (MApN) asked lawmakers to endorse a deal to pay EUR 354 mln to purchase from Norway 32 F-16 fighters. It will upgrade them at Romanian company Aerostar Bacau, with equipment and logistics services from the US, for another EUR 100 mln. The fighters are 40-year old but, according to the minister of defence Vasile Dincu, “can be used for at least another ten years”. The configuration of Norwegian F-16 aircraft is M6.5.2, which the MApN claims are superior to that of the F-16 fleet Romania previously purchased from Portugal. Romania already had a squadron of 17 F-16 aircraft, bought in two instalments, from Portugal. They were also upgraded before entering service. The first tranche, of twelve aircraft, cost Romania EUR 628 mln, including staff training.

Ministry of National Defense (MND) plans to purchase at least 20 aircraft F16, Minister Gabriel Les announced 12 March 2017. "The acquisition of 20 aircraft we plan at the moment, with our intention to make revitalization of these devices. We do not have the solution, we do not know where they come from these devices (...). All F16 aircraft of the same type "said Minister of Defence at the end of Senators PSD group meeting. He said he did not know whether to sign contracts for these aircraft later this year.

"I would not be able to tell you if these 20 aircraft will be able to sign this year. F16 planes, in principle, the United States, to fill the 12 F16 aircraft which we have up to the end. (.. .) it is my intention, at this time, to purchase what is necessary for the Romanian Army, but on the other hand and according to the government program, what I really want, especially since we have this political commitment by two percent (Army of GDP - no), to integrate as much industry in Romania, it's private, it's state, "said Les.

During 2005, the following companies briefed the Romanian Air Force HQ about their offers of multi-role aircraft: Boeing with the F/A-18, a joint venture with Elbit Systems, Lockheed Martin with the F-16, and Gripen International with the JAS 39 Gripen. Given Romania’s future membership in the European Union, the Eurofighter might also become a potential competitor. According to Jane’s, in February 2006, the National Supreme Defense Council approved the “conception on major procurement programs for Romanian Armed Forces 2006-2025” document. Romania's NATO status requires a fourth-generation, multi-role fighter aircraft. To carry out domestic missions and meet NATO commitments, the RoAF needed 48 multi-role fighters to be operational by 2010.

In March 2006 President Traian Basescu reported that Romania planned to take a position "in the next month" regarding its planned acquisition of F-16 aircraft. He stated that Romania's decision would be based upon the underlying premise of "how we can adapt our armed forces to NATO standards." Basescu said it was "clear" that Israeli-provided fighters "are not a solution" and Romania has "drawn a line through" the possibility of acquiring F-16s from Israel. Basescu continued that Romania would choose between "new F-16s (from the U.S.) or Dutch F-16s." He noted that the "Dutch price is good" but expressed uncertainty about the maintenance contracts for the Dutch-provided F-16s.

Basescu described Romania's ultimate goal as the acquisition of Joint Strike Fighters (JSF) and speculated about whether new or used F-16s would provide the "best access to the new JSF." He stated that he would appreciate guidance on whether it was better to obtain new or used F-16s, but stressed he was conscious of the advantages of acquiring new planes.

By February 2007 Basescu expressed openness, for the first time, to an F-16 lease option, one that might be a more affordable bridge to the JSF. He noted that the short gap between the F-16's operational effectiveness and the JSF's availability was a key factor in why he was no longer interested in purchasing "all 41" new F-16s, as originally conceived. Basescu said that regardless of the GOR's ultimate purchasing decision, he said he recognized the importance of training pilots and maintenance crews as soon as possible on the F-16 to facilitate the transition away from the MiG-21s and the eventual deployment of the JSF.

In mid-2007 the new Romanian Defense Minister Theodor Melescanu walked back the approval of purchasing F-16s to replace Romania's aging MiG-21 fleet, in what many Romanian national security expert saw as a blatant attempt to increase the chances of more lucrative offers from European-based aerospace industries like Gripen and Eurofighter. The Defense Minister also put the Dassault Rafale on the table during in June 2007, catching everyone by surprise on an issue that already had been studied for two years. It was generally assumed within the uniformed services that Melescanu will recommend the Gripen over the government's stated preference to lease F-16s on the path to purchasing the JSF.

On May 16, 2008 the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified the US Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Romania of F-16C/D Block 50/52 Aircraft as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $4.5 billion. The Government of Romania requested a possible sale of 24 F-16C/D Block 50/52 aircraft with either the F100-PW-229 or F110-GE-129 Increased Performance Engines (IPE) and APG 68(V)9 radars; refurbishment and upgrades of 24 F-16C/D Block 25 aircraft being provided as Excess Defense Articles with the F100-PW-220 Increased Performance Engines (IPE) and APG-68(V)1 radars; 4 F100-PW-229 or F110-GE-129 IPE spare engines; 5 F100-PW-220 IPE spare engines; 4 APG-68(V)9 spare radar sets; 60 LAU-129/A Launchers; 30 LAU-117 Launchers; 6 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems;

The sale also included 4 AN/ARC-238 Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS) with HAVE QUICK I/II; 24 Conformal Fuel Tanks (pairs); 4 Link-16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminals; 2 Link-16 Ground Stations; 4 Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Embedded GPS/ Inertial Navigation Systems (INS); 12 AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER or AN/AAQ-28 LITENING Targeting Pods; 4 Tactical Air Reconnaissance Systems or DB-110 Reconnaissance Pods (RECCE); 4 AN/APX-113 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) Systems; 28 AN/ALQ-213 Electronic Warfare Management Systems; 28 AN/ALQ- 211 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suite (AIDEWS); or AN/ALQ-187 Advanced Countermeasures Electronic Systems (ACES), or AN/ALQ-178 Self-Protection Electronic Warfare Suites (SPEWS). Also included: support equipment, software development/integration, tanker support, ferry services, CAD/PAD, repair and return, modification kits, spares and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $4.5 billion.

The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by enhancing the capability of Romania, a NATO ally. Delivery of this weapon system will greatly enhance Romania’s interoperability with the U.S. and other NATO nations, making it a more valuable partner in an important area of the world, as well as supporting Romania’s legitimate need for its own self-defense. The proposed sale will allow the Romanian Air Force to modernize its aging air force by acquiring both new and used fighter aircraft, thereby enabling Romania to support both its own air defense needs and coalition operations. The country will have no difficulty absorbing this new capability into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this weapon system will not affect the basic military balance in the region.

On 23 March 2010 Romania's Supreme Defense Council (CSAT) announced the proposed purchase of 24 second-hand Lockheed-Martin F-16s for $1.3 billion. It was further anticipated that Romania would eventually purchase 24 second hand F-16 Block 50-52s, and – if finances permit – 24 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. But in August 2010, Prime Minister Emil Boc announced the government cannot afford the purchase. On 11 May 2010 Saab and Eurofighter re-presented their bids at the request of the Romanian parliament, presenting proposals that matched the price of the F-16 and offered technology transfers, 100% offsets and participation in development.

And on 11 September 2011 Romanian President Traian Basescu told television Pro TV that Romania cannot afford to buy F-16 fighters without a long-term financing solution. "As a NATO member, Romania must have 48 fighters compatible with the North Atlantic Alliance's equipment. Whether they are F-16 planes, Rafale or SAAB, what matter is to find a financing solution," said Basescu.

Romanian news media reported that U.S. Ambassador Mark Gitenstein said there could be a "regional effort," whereby Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia would buy a batch of new planes to help keep Lockheed Martin's production line open, reduce the cost of the aircraft and share the cost of pilot training.

Romanian Defense Minister Corneliu Dobritoiu said in August 2012 that his country aimed to buy an undisclosed number of second-hand F-16A/B jet fighters from Portugal. “The machines are in a very good technical condition,” Dobritoiu said. Romania needs to acquire new jet fighters to replace its fleet of 49 Soviet-built MiG-21 Lancer jet fighters, the defense minister said. Dobritoiu said that without purchasing the F-16 aircraft, the Romanian Air Force would lose its combat capacity in about nine years. Dobritoiu announced that Romania would pay around 670 million euros over five years for these fighter jets. "Only about 120 million euros go to paying for the aircraft, the rest being logistic support, which would have been the same if we had purchased new aircraft," he explained.

Romania would operate in 2017 a 12-strong squadron of F-16 multirole fighters purchased from Portugal, to replace the current Soviet-built MIG-21 Lancers, the country's Defence Minister Mircea Dusa said on 22 April 2013. In October 2013 Romania decided to purchase 12 F-16 aircraft from Portugal. This significant investment in air superiority capabilities will open the door for greater regional collaboration and will be valuable to future NATO and coalition operations.

Rationalisation measures in the Portuguese Armed Forces were behind the sale of 12 F-16 fighter jets to Romania in a deal that resulted in €78 million [net] for Portugal. In July 2013, the Council of Ministers had announced the government’s intention to sell the aircraft, and at the time Bulgaria and Pakistan were two other countries interested in closing a deal with Portugal. Bulgaria had expressed interest in nine used F-16s from Portugal. Though the fighter jets from Portugal were already 30-years-old, they can be used for at least 20 more years.

In June 2019, Profit.ro quoted government documents announcing that the state earmarked EUR 250 million to buy another five F-16 jet fighters from Portugal, which supplied the other 12 fighters received by Romania already. In all, the country aims at achieving a fleet of 36 jets. Romania has not found other NATO states available to sell such aircraft, although it has addressed all Member States.

On 27 November 2019 President Klaus Iohannis announced that the Supreme Council for the Country's Defence (CSAT) gave the green light to a government bill on the purchase of another five F-16s. "Today we discussed an important subject regarding Army procurements - specifically the purchase of another five F-16 aircraft, as the government referred to CSAT a relevant bill which received the Council's approval," said Iohannis. He mentioned that the agreement of Parliament is required for procurements worth over 100 million euro, which is why the procedure provides for the CSAT issuing an opinion on the bill. "The law will be discussed in Parliament," the President said.

The last of the five third-hand F-16AM Fighting Falcon planes, purchased from the Portuguese Ministry of Defense, landed on 25 March 2021, at the 86th Air Base "Lieutenant Gheorghe Mociornita", from Borcea. In February 2021, the Portuguese company Oficinas Governamentais de Manutenção e Aviação (OGMA) completed the repair, modernization and repainting of this aircraft in accordance with the requirements of the Romanian Air Force. The aircraft took off from Monte Real air base in Portugal, and after a stopover at Aviano air base in Italy, it arrived in Romania, after a flight of over 3,500 kilometers in one day. The aircraft, which is in the M5.2 configuration, as well as the other 16 aircraft of this type that are already equipped by the Romanian Army, will be part of the 53rd Fighter Squadron of the Romanian Air Force, based in Borcea.

Romania will buy 32 F-16 aircraft from Norway, a purchase that will cost 454 million euros, of which 354 million euros is the cost of aircraft, with 100 million euros being the logistical support and specific equipment for modernization that will come from the US government, according to a 13 December 2021 request from the Ministry of National Defense addressed to the Parliament.

“In order to continue the gradual supply of F-16 aircraft from the surplus of the Armed Forces of NATO member states, letters of inquiry (RFI) were sent in 2019 to the governments of NATO member states equipped with F-16 aircraft (Belgium, Denmark, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Greece) on the availability to transfer 16-32 F-16 aircraft ”, says in the Ministry of National Defense’s request to the Parliament.

“The only solution currently identified as a result of the analysis of the responses received to the requests for information is the purchase by the Government of Norway of a package consisting of: 32 F-16 aircraft in M6.5.2 configuration (superior to the configuration of the 17 aircraft equipped ), logistics support equipment and training services ”, according to the Ministry of National Defense.

The modernization, the capital repairs to the engines and the maintenance of the aircraft will be done at Aerostar Bacau. The estimated funds for the acquisition are about 454 million euros without VAT, of which 354 million euros would cost the purchase of the actual aircraft from Norway, and about 100 million euros are meant to provide logistical support and specific equipment needed for modernization aircraft from the US Government.