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.

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.

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. 

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.

regjeringen 

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

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

cannontwo

Canada To Deploy 4 CF-188 Hornets to Romania in March

Starting in March 2016, about 100 Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) personnel mainly from Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Bagotville, Quebec, and four CF-188 Hornet fighter aircraft will conduct bilateral training with the Romanian Air Force in Constanta, Romania, for about a month.
Exercise Resilient Resolve is being conducted to foster relations between the RCAF and the Romanian Air Force while exchanging best practices. While not part of Canadian Armed Forces Operation Reassurance, this exercise continues to build on the strong relationship between Canada and Romania.
The CF-188 aircraft will deploy from Kuwait, where they were based during their employment on Operation Impact. As part of the Operation Impact mission transition, the CF-188 Hornets, associated aircrew, and support personnel are departing Kuwait in a phased approach in the coming weeks.
rcaf-arc

Thailand, Romania Select Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod for F-16 Fleets

The Romanian Air Force and Royal Thai Air Force recently selected Lockheed Martin’s Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod for their F-16 fleets.
Lockheed Martin will integrate and field Sniper ATPs on existing RoAF and RTAF aircraft and provide initial sustainment support. Pod deliveries began in early 2015 to meet operational need requirements.
Sniper ATP will provide the RoAF and the RTAF with precision targeting capability to locate targets using high-resolution imagery. It detects, identifies, automatically tracks and laser-designates small tactical targets at long ranges.
Sniper ATP’s interoperability also enables coalition air forces to use the pod across multiple platforms, including U.S. Air Force and multinational F-15, F-16, F-18, A-10, B-1 and B-52 aircraft.
lockheedmartin

Portugal deploys F-16s to Romania

Four F-16AM of the Portuguese Air Force will arrive at the Romanian Air Force 71st Air on 4 May.
The aircraft of Squadron 201 'Falcões' and Squadron 301 'Jaguares' from Monte Real airbase No. 5 will be stationed in Romania until 30 June as part of 'Falcon Defence 2015' unitary concept training mission. This is intended as a reassurance measure for the alliance's eastern members and also to meet specific NATO interoperability and standardisation requirements.
The deployment follows closely behind the 1 September and 31 December 2014 deployment of six Portuguese F-16AM aircraft to Siauliai airbase in Lithuania for NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission.
From September 2016 to late 2017, 12 Portuguese F-16s (nine single-seat F-16AM and three twin-seat F-16BM aircraft) will be transferred to the Romanian Air Force as part of a deal sealed by both countries in 2013. The aircraft will progressively replace the ageing MiG-21 LanceR fighters currently fielded by Romania.
Portugal will keep 39 aircraft in its inventory including the three F-16A Block 15s granted by the United States as excess defence articles and now being modernised by OGMA-Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal.
janes

USAF A-10s train with allies in Romania; F-15s in Netherlands

U.S. Air Force aircraft are training with Romania, The Netherlands and other allied nations.
More U.S. airmen and aircraft are in Europe for the next few months as part of a theater security package in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, a show of force in the region amid Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
Currently at Campia Turzii, Romania, about 300 airmen and support equipment are deployed with 12 A-10s.
Twelve F-15s, which arrived at The Netherland's Leeuwarden Air Base this month, will head to Bulgaria next.
airforcetimes

Portugal begins F-16s Upgrade

The Portuguese aerospace company OGMA recently began to upgrade three Lockheed Martin F-16A Block 15 Fighting Falcon fighters for the Portuguese Air Force.
All three aircraft will be upgraded to the F-16AM Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) standard by 2017.
The US government gave Portugal the aircraft in August 2013 as excess defence articles. Portugal only paid for their preparation, packaging, and shipment.
The acquisition of the three F-16s is a consequence of Portugal's sale of nine F-16AM single seat and three F-16BM twin-seat aircraft to Romania.
Those aircraft were from a batch of 25 F-16A/B Block 15 Operational Capability Upgrade (OCU) aircraft given to Portugal by the United States in the late 1990s under the Peace Atlantis II programme and later modernised in Portugal for operation by the 301 Squadron (Jaguares) at Monte Real Air Base.
Earlier in the 1990s Portugal ordered 20 new-built F-16A/B Block 15 OCU aircraft for the 201 Squadron (Falcões). These aircraft were later modernised to the MLU standard.
The Falcões and Jaguares squadrons currently operate 39 F-16AM/BM MLU aircraft.
janes

Greece poised to sell some of its F-16 fighters to Bulgaria

Greece is in talks with the US and Bulgaria about selling some of its old F-16 fighter jets to Bulgaria and leasing new ones from Washington.
NATO asked Bulgaria in February to update its air force’s capability and the country’s defense officials have approached Athens about the possibility of buying between six and eight Fighting Falcon planes. The issue was first discussed when the country’s two defense ministers met in March.
There is a precedent for such a deal as Portugal sold 12 of its F-16s to Romania for 880 million dollars in October 2013. Sources said the Hellenic Air Force would like the jets sold to be replaced by Block 52s but the US does not want to lease these airplanes.
focus-fen

Innovative fire fighting system approved for the C-27J Spartan

One of the Romanian Air Force’s C-27Js will be the first aircraft in Europe to use an innovative firefighting system. In the several past weeks, Alenia Aermacchi conducted intense operating and training tests on the aircraft, which included the new fire fighting system onboard.
Alenia Aermacchi recently completed an experimental campaign in a Romanian mountain range with a C-27J that operates with the Fortele Aeriene Române —the Romanian Air Force. The objective of the campaign was to test the innovative firefighting system called Caylym Guardian. The system allows C-27Js to drop up to six large cardboard containers on bushfires; each container has a capacity of 1000 liters water or extinguishing liquid.
aleniaaermacchi

Romania – Weapons, Equipment, and Support for F-16 Block 15 MLU Aircraft

The Government of Romania has requested a possible sale of weapons, equipment, and support for 12 F-16 MLU Block 15 aircraft that will be procured through a third party transfer from Portugal. Articles and services will include:

• 13 Embedded Global Positioning Systems/Inertial Navigation Systems (EGPS/INS) with GPS Security Devices, Airborne
• 3 AN/ALQ-131 Electronic Countermeasure Pods
• 30 AIM-120C Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM)
• 5 AIM-120C Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs)
• 60 AIM-9M Sidewinder Missiles
• 4 AIM-9M CATMs
• 48 LAU-129 Launchers
• 10 GBU-12 Enhanced Guided Bomb Units
• 18 AGM-65H/KB Maverick Missiles
• 4 AGM-65 CATMs
• 15 Multifunctional Information Distribution System/Low Volume Terminals
• 2 Multifunctional Information Distribution System Ground Support Systems

Also included are spare and repair parts, support equipment, tanker support, ferry services, repair and return services, software development/integration, test and equipment, supply support, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor technical services, and other related elements of logistics and program support.
The proposed sale will support the Romanian Air Force’s (RoAF) efforts to equip and utilize the 12 F-16 aircraft it is procuring from Portugal.
dsca

Romania Defense Ministry signs contract to buy Portuguese F-16 aircraft

Romania's Defense minister announced that he had signed a contract with the Portuguese for the purchase of F-16 airplanes and had paid the first installment of 100 million euro from the total amount of 600 million euro as stipulated by contract.
Minister said, early this month that the equipping program with multirole aircraft would begin this fall by modernizing the airplanes Romania purchased from Portugal. The first F-16 planes will reach Romania in 2015.
Romania will purchase a squadron of second hand F16 planes from Portugal. On June 19, the government approved the bill on the purchase of multirole planes, which was adopted by the Chamber of Deputies. President Traian Basescu promulgated the law on the purchase of multirole planes by mid July.
actmedia

Romania to buy second-hand F-16 fighter jets

Romania's leftist government has approved a plan to buy second-hand F-16 fighter jets from Portugal to bring its air force up to NATO standards.
The European Union member joined NATO in 2004 and has been Washington's military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is in the process of phasing out its outdated Soviet-made MiG-21s.
The defence ministry will buy 12 jets from Portugal and pay a little over 600 million euros, including maintenance, in installments until 2017.
Romania shelved a multi-billion euro plan to buy fighter jets in 2009 as its economy plunged into deep recession and the global financial crisis forced it to resort to international aid.
reuters