Romania will receive its first F-16s purchased from Portugal today. The fighters took off this morning from Monte Real Air Force Base Nº5, Portugal, for the Borcea air base. The latter still hosts several Mig-21s.
In September of the 2013, Romania purchased twelve F-16 from Portugal for 203 million dollars. The supply includes nine F-16 single-seaters and three F-16 two-seaters.
The Peace Carpathian provides for the transfer of technology from the United States government to third parties. Three other aircraft will be delivered by December, while the last three F-16 will be delivered in October next year.
The F-16 platform acquisition program includes initial logistical support, training of up to nine technical pilots and 75, two years of on-site assistance and the updating of the fleet with the support of Lockheed Martin.
Romania has asked NATO for another twelve F-16 so as to replace the entire MIG-21 fleet currently in service.
(photo: Ministerul Apărării Naţionale)
