State Secretary for Defence Policy and Planning, Mircea Dusa, headed the MoND delegation from Portugal, at the hand-over/take-over ceremony of the last three aircraft of the F-16 Fighting Falcon squadron. The event took place at Air Base headquarters from Monte Real, on Wednesday, September 27th.

At bilateral level, the Romanian-Portuguese inter-governmental contract stands for a model of efficient, professional and transparent cooperation, with important benefits for our countries, Mircea Dusa stated.

The Romanian official emphasized the fact that the relations and the excellent cooperation between the two air forces will continue to develop after the delivery of these three aircraft, also.

State Secretary Dusa appreciated the support of the US part, especially while running the program, during the transfer of the aircraft to our country and the support given during the training of the pilots and technical staff.

Mircea Dusa specified that the acquisition of the aircraft is a major step in the enhancement of the Romanian Armed Forces' capabilities and also a transition period towards the entering of the fifth generation aircraft into the Romanian Air Force's service. The State Secretary also pointed out that the F-16 Procurement Program will prove its strategic importance not only at national level but also at regional level, too, by strengthening Romania's capacity in order to meet the deterrence and defence requirements specific to the Black Sea region.

At the end of the ceremony, State Secretary Dusa wished good luck to the Romanian Air Force's pilots who will fly the F-16 aircraft: they are true professionals, they went through a rigorous training program, their missions won't be easy, but I am convinced they will accomplish them at the highest standards, the State Secretary added.

The Chief of Air Force Staff, Lieutenant General Laurian Anastasof, and other officials with responsibilities in the acquisition process of the first F-16 Fighting Falcon squadron, also attended the ceremony held in Portugal.

The official reception ceremony of the three aircraft will be hosted by 86th Air Base Lieutenant Aviator Gheorghe Mociornita, from Fetesti, sometimes next week, and will be announced through the communication structures of the MoND.

Press Department