Amid NATO Allies’ Reluctance to Host Iran Strike Operations, Romania Opens Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base to the United States

As tensions with Iran continue to rise, differences are emerging inside NATO over the use of European bases for potential military operations.

While some Western European countries appear reluctant to allow their territory to be used for strikes against Iran, Romania is signaling a willingness to support U.S. operations from its territory.

According to reports, United States has requested access to Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, a major NATO facility near the Black Sea, to support ongoing missions related to the Middle East.

The request reportedly includes the deployment of aircraft for refueling operations, fighter jet support and the temporary stationing of up to 500 U.S. personnel.

Romanian authorities are expected to approve the request, highlighting Bucharest’s strong strategic alignment with Washington and NATO’s eastern flank priorities.

Western European Reluctance

At the same time, reports indicate that countries such as Spain and France have been cautious about allowing their bases to be used for offensive operations against Iran.

Both countries maintain important military installations that are frequently used by U.S. forces, including Naval Station Rota and Morón Air Base, which have historically supported American deployments to the Middle East.

However, political sensitivities and the risk of escalation appear to be influencing decisions about whether these facilities should be directly linked to potential strike operations.

For many European governments, the priority remains avoiding a broader regional conflict.

Romania’s Strategic Role

Romania’s position reflects a different geopolitical perspective. As one of NATO’s key states on the alliance’s eastern flank, Romania has consistently supported a strong U.S. military presence in the region. The Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base has already served as a major logistics hub during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and it regularly hosts U.S. and allied forces.

Its location offers several advantages:

• relative safety from Middle Eastern missile threats
• direct access to NATO logistics networks
• proximity to the Black Sea and southeastern Europe.

These factors make the base an ideal staging point for support missions such as aerial refueling, surveillance and force rotation.

A Broader NATO Dynamic

The situation highlights an increasingly visible dynamic inside NATO: while Western European countries often adopt more cautious political positions in Middle Eastern conflicts, several Eastern European allies tend to support a more robust U.S. military posture.

This difference does not necessarily signal division within the alliance, but rather reflects different regional priorities and security perceptions.

As the situation with Iran evolves, Romania’s willingness to facilitate U.S. operations may further reinforce its role as one of the most important NATO hubs in southeastern Europe.

In a rapidly shifting strategic environment, geography and political will are once again shaping how military power is projected across continents.

U.S. Approves $180 Million Sale of Advanced AIM-120 Missiles to Romania

The United States has approved the sale of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles to Romania to provide advanced air-to-air capabilities for the Romanian Air Force. The initial deal is valued at approximately $180 million, with the option for Romania to purchase additional missiles in the future. This acquisition is part of Romania's broader effort to modernize its air force, enhancing compatibility between its F-16 aircraft and other NATO and U.S. aircraft, including the F-35. The U.S. Embassy in Bucharest emphasized the importance of this sale for both Romania's defense and regional stability.

U.S. Ambassador to Romania, Kathleen Kavalec, praised the acquisition, highlighting that it would significantly enhance Romania's ability to defend its territory and contribute to peace and stability in the region. Reflecting on her recent visit to Romania's 86th Air Base in Borcea, she said, "I was truly impressed by the Romanian F-16s in action. This purchase demonstrates the Romanian government's firm commitment to security and defense."

Last year, Romania’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the government-to-government (G2G) purchase of 186 AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles from the United States, as well as 299 AIM-9X Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles. The total cost of the 186 AIM-120 AMRAAMs is estimated at $372 million, while the AIM-9X Sidewinders will cost around $239 million.

The AIM-120 AMRAAM missile, weighing 152 kg (with an 18 kg warhead), belongs to the 150–250 kg weight class and has a speed of Mach 4. The most advanced version, the AIM-120D, boasts a maximum range of approximately 160 km.

Additionally, the Romanian government’s request includes various support items such as training missiles, storage containers, cryptographic devices, and a comprehensive package of spare parts. It also involves a technical and logistical support package from the contractor, which will provide training for both pilots and maintenance personnel. This acquisition complements Romania's recent purchase of AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles, authorized earlier in May. The combined investment for the AIM-120 and AIM-9X missiles is estimated at $592 million.

Overall, this procurement marks a significant step in boosting Romania's air defense capabilities and ensuring interoperability with NATO allies.

Royal Netherlands Air Force Deploys MQ-9A Reaper Drones to Romania for NATO Reconnaissance missions

The Royal Netherlands Air Force  has announced the deployment of General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper drones by the Royal Netherlands Air Force to Romania. The Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) will be stationed at Campia Turzii air base in Romania, primarily for reconnaissance missions along NATO's eastern border. Three MQ-9A Reaper drones, originally located in the Caribbean, are being relocated to Romania, along with approximately 140 personnel from the Dutch Air Force. The deployment is expected to last for a period ranging from six to twelve months.

The operation involves control and command stations for the drone operators located at Leeuwarden base in the Netherlands. The Dutch Air Force emphasizes that the MQ-9A drones will exclusively perform reconnaissance missions over Central Europe.

The Netherlands possesses four MQ-9A Reaper drones, delivered in 2022. Positive assessments of their performance led to a decision to increase the fleet in August of the previous year. Additionally, in May of the same year, a decision was made to modify the drones to enable them to carry weapons. The MQ-9A is expected to achieve initial operational readiness for armed missions by 2025, with full operational capability anticipated by 2028.

Romania Successfully Completes Modernization of First IAR-99 to IAR-99 SM Standard

The first IAR 99 SM fighter aircraft has been modernized in Craiova. "Not many countries can build an aircraft. Romania can!"

The Romanian IAR 99 SM aircraft will be used to adapt Romanian pilots to F-16 aircraft. Nine other aircraft will undergo the same modernization process and will be equipped with state-of-the-art on-board equipment.

In 2020, the Romanian Air Force and Avioane Craiova signed a contract to modernize 10 IAR-99 planes from the Standard level (the initial variant) to the IAR-99 SM level (Modernized Standard), enabling pilots to be trained for flight on F-16 aircraft. The contract is valued at 275 million lei excluding VAT.

The first aircraft was not delivered within the contractual 3-year period, as the factory invoked a force majeure clause. In December 2023, the Avioane Craiova Aircraft Factory announced the start of trials with the first modernized aircraft.

The modernization includes avionics systems compatible with those on the F-16, as well as a training system, close air support capabilities, and air combat capabilities.

"It's an ultramodern aircraft; Romanian pilots will now be able to train on this aircraft. We are also working on the other planes, hoping not to encounter any further issues with suppliers as happened before, and to deliver all aircraft to the Romanian Air Force as soon as possible," said Victor Munteanu, General Director of the Avioane Craiova Factory.

Specialists from the Avioane Craiova Factory are confident that the recently modernized Romanian aircraft will help future pilots train at high standards, as required by NATO partners.

"We can work in the aeronautical industry at a high level. For us, the quality of work is very important. Many people may not understand what it means to build an aircraft. Not many countries can build an aircraft. Romania can!" stated Ionuț Arghiropol, IAR 99 SM program director.

The first IAR 99 SM aircraft has already been ground-tested and is set to be deployed at the Boboc Military Base in Buzău. The Avioane Craiova Factory has initiated modernization work on the other nine aircraft, each at different stages of progression.

Spain Joins NATO Allies in Purchasing 1000 Advanced Patriot Missiles

The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) will coordinate the acquisition of a thousand MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missiles for a group of four NATO member countries: Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, and Romania. These missiles will be equipped with enhanced guidance known as Guidance Enhanced Missiles-Tactical (GEM-T).

The contract for the MIM-104 Patriot missiles encompasses the qualification of updated components, integration of new suppliers, test equipment, and spare parts to support future maintenance. As per the NSPA, other user nations are expected to benefit from the contract's conditions, observing the missile's current role as the Western anti-aircraft shield, notably evident in Ukraine.

An essential aspect of this joint procurement is that a significant part of the manufacturing will take place in Europe, bolstering its already substantial deployment among NATO allies on this side of the Atlantic. The Alliance's Agency specifies that the production and delivery contract will be awarded to COMLOG, an equally shared joint venture between the American company Raytheon, a part of the multinational RTX Corporation, and the European MBDA, established in 1987 with decades of experience supporting European Patriot operators, primarily Germany, and even the US Army's forces stationed in Europe.

To support the production and planned deliveries of this large-scale contract, COMLOG will expand the GEM-T missile production capacity in Europe. The exact location, whether expanding its current plant in Schrobenhausen (Bavaria, Germany), or constructing additional facilities, remains unspecified.

The new MIM-104 Patriot GEM-T missiles will strengthen air defense capabilities. With extensive combat experience, up to eight European nations (Germany, Spain, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland, and Romania within NATO, along with Sweden and Ukraine) rely on this system for defense against cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and enemy aircraft.

This contract, emphasized by the NSPA, provides significant benefits to participating MIM-104 Patriot user nations. This multinational procurement program, aligned with the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), offers economies of scale and supports expanding GEM-T missile production capacity to meet escalating demand.

Enhancing the GEM-T missile production capacity in Europe contributes to supply security, crucial in conflicts, as witnessed following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It aids in replenishing Patriot missile inventories and illustrates strong cooperation among a significant number of European users within NATO, aligning with the ESSI initiative.

The Dutch Government Confirms Supplying 18 F-16 Fighter Jets to Ukraine

The Netherlands officially announced the delivery of 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to aid in its struggle against Russia's invasion. In a statement made by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, he conveyed the decision to prepare and supply these aircraft to Ukraine during a phone conversation with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The confirmed delivery follows earlier assurances in August regarding the supply of these planes, a move that aligns with Ukraine's requests for military assistance. Though the total number of aircraft to be provided was previously undisclosed, it's now confirmed that the Dutch military holds 18 non-operational F-16s out of a surplus, while the other 24 are operational.

Rutte emphasized the significance of this delivery, stating, "The delivery of F-16s is one of the most critical elements of the agreements made on military support for Ukraine." However, the delivery is subject to an export permit from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and compliance with specific criteria regarding personnel and infrastructure in Ukraine.

The decision underscores the Netherlands' steadfast commitment to bolstering Ukraine's response to the ongoing Russian aggression, confirming their continued support. The conversation between Rutte and Zelenskyy also addressed current military necessities, including artillery, drones, and air defense.

Moreover, the Netherlands has been instrumental in establishing a training center for F-16 fighter pilots in Romania. The center, used for instructing Ukrainian and Romanian pilots, currently houses five F-16 units from the Netherlands for a six-to-eight-month training program.

In addition, Rutte affirmed the Netherlands' dedication to facilitating Ukraine's EU accession talks, promising efforts to secure a financial support agreement of €50 billion at the February 2024 European Council meeting. This comes after Hungary's recent blockage of the EU's proposal for aid to Ukraine.

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the Netherlands' support in opening Ukraine's EU accession discussions and highlighted the significance of securing the EU assistance soon. The conversation also touched upon ongoing efforts to consolidate international backing for Ukraine's vision of a just peace, reaffirming the commitment to further Peace Formula discussions.

Romania Strengthens NATO Alliance with New F-16 Training Hub Amid Eastern Europe's Security Concerns

Romania, a NATO member since 2004, took a significant step on Monday, November 13th, inaugurating an international training hub designed explicitly for F-16 jet pilots from allied nations and partnersa NATO member since 2004, took a significant step on Monday, November 13th, inaugurating an international training hub designed explicitly for F-16 jet pilots from allied nations and partners. The facility, established at an air base in Fetesti in southeast Romania, serves the purpose of enhancing interoperability among NATO allies. Romania's defense ministry highlighted that this initiative aims to fortify the military alliance's capabilities in addressing the intricate challenges prevalent in Eastern Europe and the Black Sea region.

The training center, a joint effort involving the Royal Netherlands Air Force supplying the F-16 U.S.-made warplanes and Lockheed Martin providing instructors and maintenance, is strategically positioned given Romania's long border with Ukraine. This move aligns with recent developments as NATO countries responded to Ukraine's requests for sophisticated fighter planes following Russia's invasion in February 2022.

In light of the conflict, Romania significantly increased defense spending, while NATO reinforced its presence in Europe's eastern flank by deploying additional multinational battle groups to member countries such as Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Slovakia. Romania's proactive stance on regional security challenges was further underlined by its recent efforts to procure 54 cutting-edge Abrams main battle tanks from the United States, valued at over a billion dollars.

Additionally, Romania's commitment to modernizing its air force was evident as the Supreme Council of National Defense approved the acquisition of the latest generation of American-made F-35 fighter jets. The country's active involvement in the alliance was evident in its hosting of a NATO foreign ministers' meeting in November 2022, further solidifying its role within the NATO framework. 

12 to 18 Dutch F-16s fly to Romania for Ukrainian pilot training

The Dutch News Agency ANP recently quoted the Minister of Defense of the Netherlands, announcing plans to deploy between 12 and 18 F-16 fighter jets to Romania shortly. This move is part of a broader initiative to train Ukrainian pilots.  

Royal Netherlands Air Force  inventory comprises 42 aircraft. These are being replaced by F-35s. It's expected to shift up to 24 fighter jets to Ukraine, reserving the remaining for training purposes.

F-16 will be inducted into Ukrainian Air Force Service in 6-8 months. 

Romania, Czech Republic to announce F-35 acquisition plans

Romania’s Ministry of Defence has announced it aims to sign a letter of acceptance in 2024 to buy 32 F-35 fighters in the program’s first phase, and subsequently secure a further 16 aircraft under the Foreign Military Sales programme, based upon a government-to-government-type contract.

At the end of these, the Romanian Air Force will count three F-35 squadrons. The contract would also cover the delivery of 35 engines, initial logistics support, training services for pilots and technical staff, simulators, weapons, as well as ammunition. Romania expects to receive the first jets in 2030. The decision to buy F-35s was taken by the Romanian Supreme Council on National Defense, at its April 11 meeting.

In January 2020, the Polish cabinet signed a deal to purchase 32 fighters along with a training and logistics package. Czech Republic has secured approval to buy 24 F-35s.

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Romania acquires 32 F-16 and spare parts from Norwegian Air Force

The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) has signed a contract with Romania for the sale of 32 Norwegian F-16 aircraft.

Following the RFI answer received in 2020, Romania has since 2021 expressed interest in acquiring the former Norwegian Air Force aircraft as part of an effort to strengthen the capabilities of the Romanian Air Force. The final agreement was signed 4. November following months of negotiations and includes 32 aircraft along with spare parts and support equipment, as well as maintenance and technical training services.

Under the contract all aircraft will 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 will be conducted by Norwegian industry, which also will provide training and other logistical services that will support the long-term availability of the aircraft.

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NEWS 2022 April, 9

NATO fighters intercept Russian Jets over Black Sea from base in Romania

NATO jets scrambled from this Romanian base four times in the last 20 days to intercept Russian fighters that launched from Crimea, flying toward NATO territory along the Black Sea coast. Each time, the Russian jets turned away without incident, but the flights represent a growing threat to the alliance.

The intent of the Russian practice was not immediately clear to the NATO air policing commanders and Combined Air Operations Centre in Torrejon, Spain. But, it underscored the importance of the mission to protect the skies over what defense officials say is the NATO front line in the Russian war with Ukraine.

airforcemag

Congress blocks USAF A-10 retirement

Last year, the Air Force announced it wanted to retire 42 A-10C Thunderbolt II planes, all but seven of which are housed at the Tucson base. Dumping those jets in 2022 would have made room to bring testing and training for the A-10 and the HH-60 combat search-and-rescue helicopter from Nellis AFB in Nevada to Davis-Monthan.

Davis-Monthan is home to A-10Cs, HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, HC-130 Hercules transport jets and the EC-130H Compass Call electronic warfare planes. It’s been on the cusp of change for years: Officials have tried and failed multiple times to dump at least some of the Air Force’s 280 or so A-10s in favor of longer-range, stealthy platforms, and are replacing Pave Hawks and Compass Calls with newer models.

The Air Force wanted to move Nellis’s A-10 weapons instructor course and test and evaluation work to Arizona this year. The HH-60G’s advanced tactics course for instructors, test and combat units would join them in 2024.

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Slovakia has provided its S-300 air defense 'legacy' systems to Ukraine

Slovak Defence Minister said the United States will deploy a Patriot air defense system in his country next week.

Announcement came shortly after Slovakia donated its Soviet-era S-300 air defense system to Ukraine at its request that Slovakia was willing to provide its S-300 to Ukraine on condition it has a proper replacement.

Additionally, Germany and the Netherlands have agreed to send troops armed with Patriot missiles to Slovakia as part of 2,100-strong force made up of soldiers from several NATO members states, including the U.S. The force will form a battlegroup on Slovak territory to boost NATO defenses on the alliance’s eastern flank.

NATO members Bulgaria, Slovakia and Greece have S-300s, which can fire missiles hundreds of miles and knock out cruise missiles as well as aircraft.

Slovak Prime Minister recently visited the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv with top European Union officials, ahead of a planned meeting with Ukrainian President.

Zelenskyy had mentioned S-300s by name when he spoke to U.S. lawmakers by video last month, appealing for defense systems that would allow Ukraine to “close the skies” to Russian planes and missiles.

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Six USAF F-35 Deployed to Baltic and Black Sea Region to Support NATO's Eastern Flank

Six U.S. F-35A Lightning II fighter jets deployed from Germany to multiple countries on NATO’s eastern flank on Thursday for air policing flights in solidarity with the transatlantic alliance. 

They’ll disperse alongside F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-15 Eagle fighter jets across Poland, Estonia, Lithuania and Romania, U.S. Air Forces in Europe said. 

The presence of the Air Force’s most advanced fighter jet signals a swift response if Russia expands its offensive outside Ukraine’s borders and into NATO countries. The F-35A can act as a quarterback to pass targeting information and other data between other U.S. and NATO fighters in the region, should the alliance need to react quickly to Russian aggression. The six F-35As come after the Defense Department promised on Tuesday to send up to eight Lightning IIs that had arrived at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany from Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Two of the F-35 jets arrived in Estonia, two arrived in Lithuania and two arrived in Romania. The aircraft are in operation from Estonia’s Amari Air Base, Lithuania’s Siauliai Air Base, and Romania’s Fetesti Air Base. 

airforcetimes

Romania received the first batch of Patriot surface-to-air missiles from the US.

Romania has received the first batch of Patriot surface-to-air missiles from the US. 

According to a Reuters report, the induction of the missile system will help Romania enhance its air defences as it seeks to upgrade its weaponry to Nato standards. 

Romania has already decided to increase defence spending to 2% of its gross domestic product (GDP), as suggested by the US to all Nato members to combat external threats. 

army-technology

Romania to buy additional F-16 fighter jets from Portugal

According to media reports in recent weeks, Romanian Armed Forces decided to buy five F-16 fighter jets from Portugal.
Romania will buy five more F-16 aircraft from Portugal and the acquisition procedure could be completed this year, according to Romanian defense minister.
Romania Insider has reported on 19 April that Romania bought 12 F-16 multirole aircraft from Portugal in 2013 and will buy five more to have a complete squadron of 17 fighters.
The five F-16s will be second-hand, modernized in Portugal.
Commenting on the news that the U.S. is considering selling F-35 fighters to five new nations, including Romania, Romanian defense minister said that, at the moment, this would be “a bit too much” for Romania.
defence-blog

Romania signs deal to buy Patriot missile defense system

Romania announced it wanted to buy Raytheon-made Patriot air and missile defense systems from the U.S. government in April and has been on the fast track to getting those systems, signing an agreement to make the purchase Wednesday.
Romania signed a letter of offer and acceptance, which, according to Raytheon, “paves the way for Romania’s Patriot force to rapidly reach Initial Operational Capability, and sets the stage for the U.S. government to begin contract negotiations with Raytheon.”
Romania will be the 14th Patriot customer worldwide.
According to a Defense Security Cooperation Agency notification of the possible sale to Romania, the country wants seven Patriot Configuration 3+ units, complete with radars, a control station, antennas, launching stations and power plants. Also included are 56 Patriot MIM-104E Guidance Enhanced Missile TBM (GEM-T) missiles and 168 Patriot Advanced Capability — 3 Missile Segment Enhancement missiles.
The sale, according to the notice, could be worth up to $3.9 billion.
Jen Judson - defensenews

Portugal deploys F-16s to Romania

A Portuguese Air Force F-16 detachment deployed to Borcea Air Force Base, Romania in mid-September for training and exercise missions within the Assurance Measures framework.
On September 18, 2017, Portugal landed a military force in support of four F-16 fighter jets, starting a two-month deployment to the Romanian Air Base of Borcea for the exercise "Falcon Defense 2017".
The Portuguese fighter aircraft will fly training missions in the area in support of NATO policy, to include combined joint missions with the Romanian Air Force, Army and Navy and the Canadian Air Force CF-18s, also deployed in the region, conducting enhanced Air Policing and training missions in Romania. Some of this flying activity will be controlled by a NATO E3-A AWACS operating over the two Allies on the Black Sea shores. The aim of this training is to hone skills and further consolidate cross-Ally interoperability.
Portugal transferred to the Romanian Air Force, 12 F-16 aircraft, while providing training to more than 80 Romanian military personnel in Portugal. With all the fighters delivered, the Portuguese Air Force is now conducting joint training of tactics, techniques and procedures for operations of the jets until late 2018.
"This training deployment is highly beneficial” said Detachment Commander, Lieutenant Colonel João "Jedi” Rosa, who is in charge of 70 military to include pilots, operators, maintainers as well as communications, logistics and other specialists. "While my team has the opportunity to practice deployment and operation, they can, simultaneously, test skills and capabilities away from their home base. Additionally, we are able to fly joint training sorties alongside with our Allies further strengthening the bonds and the interoperability of this Alliance”, he added.
This deployment is one example of Allies organizing joint training activities underlining cohesion and interoperability and showcasing the level of cooperation and consistency required to maintain high NATO standards.
nato

Romania in advanced talks to buy 36 F-16s from U.S.

Romanian authorities are under "advanced discussions for the purchase of another 36 F16 warplanes," Defense Minister Mihai Fifor said on Wednesday.
"Next week we will close this part of the programme with (...) F16. We are under advanced discussions to buy another 36 such aircraft, from the United States, not from Portugal. We have sent the necessary documents to see the purchasing price. We are at the beginning of this negotiation and we hope we will be able to buy another 36 warplanes," the defense minister said.
He said he wanted the pilots to fly with these fighter jets to be trained in the country.
"We are also interested in the viewpoint of the Romanian defense industry, because we continue to develop in Craiova the 'Soim' [Hawk] programme, for this aircraft to become the training plane for the pilots who will operate F16," explained Mihai Fifor.
actmedia

Romania Plans to Buy 36 F-16 jets by 2022

Romanian Defence has unveiled plans by Bucharest to acquire High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, and 36 F-16 fighter jets by 2022. The announcement comes in the wake of Romania’s Supreme Council of National Defence approving a plan to spend €9.8 billion (U.S. $11.6 billion) on military procurements in the years 2017 to 2026.
Romania is also aiming to purchase Patriot missiles from U.S. company Raytheon to boost its air defense capabilities, and the government plans to pay the first installment for the systems this November.
defensenews

Romania looks to buy 20 more F-16s

Romania is looking to increase the size of its fighter fleet after the government decided to apportion 2% of GDP for defence in 2017. The Parliament and Supreme Defence Council (CSAT) have approved the decision.
"My intention is to finalise this year the decision to have another 20 F-16 fighters. The Romanian Air Force has nine now and there will be 12 by the end of the year, but we need more to strengthen our air force capability. As a matter of principle Romania intends to buy these 20 F-16 fighters from the United States. All further details will be announced [in due course", Defence Minister Beniamin Les told the Romanian parliament on 13 February.
Romania bought 12 F-16s from Portugal in September 2013. These include nine F-16AM single-seaters and three F-16BM two-seaters and were bought via C N Romtehnica under the Peace Carpathian programme, with third-party transfer authorisation coming from the US government.
janes

Romanian F-16 Paint Scheme Revealed

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