U.S. Ambassador: Romanian President Discussed F16 Purchase In Washington

The ambassador explained that there could be a "regional effort," whereby Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia would buy a series of new planes. This would help Lockheed Martin's production line and reduce the cost of the aircrafts well as the cost of pilot training.

Still, the final agreement would be bilateral, between Romania and the United States, said Gitenstein.

Romania's High Council for National Defense (CSAT) approved in March 2010 the purchase of 24 used F16 fighters, for around $1.3 billion, including technical assistance for 3-5 years, logistical support, flight simulators, training, transport, weaponry, ammunition and administrative costs.

However, in August 2010, Prime Minister Emil Boc announced the government cannot afford the purchase.

In spring this year, Bulgarian officials announced possible negotiations between Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia and Turkey for a joint purchase of such aircraft. This information was neither confirmed, nor denied by Romanian authorities.

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