Romania To Pay $1.3B For F-16 Fighters, More Purchases To Follow

The ministry said the 24 planes approved by the CSAT are of the Block 25 type, revitalized and fully equipped, and the package includes technical assistance for three to five years, logistic support, flight simulators, pilot and staff training, transportation, adaptation of the ground infrastructure, ammunition and administrative costs.

According to a press release, Defense Minister Gabriel Oprea presented in the CSAT meeting held on March 23, 2010, a report, according to which Romania needs to buy 24 used planes, since there are no resources for the purchase of new planes. The purchase will be subject to Parliament debate and approval.

This move to purchase the planes is part of the strategic partnership existing between Romania and the United States of America, and the option to buy F-16 jets fits within the Air Force's strategy to gradually upgrade air defense capabilities, a strategy which aims to procure the F-35 JSF (Joint Strike Fighter).

The ministry said that, within the strategy, the first stage involves the purchase of 24 used f-16 fighter jets, the second stage involves the purchase of new F-16 fighter jets, the Block 50-52 variant and the final stage involves the purchase of 24 F-35 JSF fighters, in parallel with the removal from service of the initially acquired F-16 fighter jets.

"The value of the project reaches some $1.3 billion, and the costs include: 24 revitalized and fully equipped jets, technical assistance for a period of three to five years and logistic support, flight simulators, pilot and staff training, transportation, adaptation of the ground infrastructure, ammunition, weaponry and administrative costs," the document reads.

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