The Governments of Romania and Portugal signed the contract for the acquisition of 12 F-16 modernized aircraft that will equip the Romanian Air Force.

At the end of the technical and financial negotiations, the acquisition contract was signed after the transfer was authorized by the American side. This kind of authorization by the US Congress is required before any agreement.

Over the next period of time, the aircraft will be upgraded and the engines will undergo capital repairs. The Romanian personnel, namely 9 pilots and 75 technicians, that will operate F-16 aircraft, will start training in Portugal.

The first aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in Romania in 2016, so that by the end of 2017, the aircraft reach the operational level needed to operate them in combat, in agreement with the contract signed with Portuguese Government and with the subsequent contracts to be signed with the US Government.

The Government of Romania will use the aircraft to increase the security of its airspace and the interoperability with NATO forces.

MoND Press Office