Norway finalises F-16 sale to Romania

Norway has finalised the transfer of 32 F-16s to Romania, with deliveries to commence in 2023. (Janes/Patrick Allen)

Norway has finalised the sale of surplus Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft to Romania, the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) announced on 4 November.

The agreement to transfer 32 F-16AM/BM aircraft, as well as spares and support equipment, follows the retirement of the type in the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RoNAF) earlier in 2022.

“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,” the NDMA said. The contract includes maintenance, aircraft modification, and technical training services.

Deliveries to the Romanian Air Force will commence in 2023. The agreement is valued at EUR388 million (USD386 million), and is the largest-ever sale of military equipment in Norway's history. The NDMA has earlier signed a contract with Draken International for the sale of up to 12 F-16s, which are to be used under a training services agreement with the US Air Force.