Minister of National Defence, Nicolae-Ionel Ciuca, makes an official visit to the Portuguese Republic over 27-28 January, following the invitation made by his counterpart, João Gomes Cravinho.

The main topics that will be approached by the two dignitaries will be cooperation in the fields of military education, bilateral and multinational exercises and ways of collaboration in the defence industry.

On this occasion, the two ministers will go to Monte Real Military Base in order to participate in a briefing held by the Portuguese Air Force's specialists.

In December 2019, the two parties signed the contract for the acquisition of a new lot of 5 F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, which add to the 12 ones procured throughout 2014-2017, as part of the major acquisition program Romanian Air Force's Multitask Aircraft.

The visit agenda will also include a bilateral meeting with the Chief of Portuguese General Staff, Admiral Antonio Silva Ribeiro.


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The central element in the Romanian-Portuguese cooperation is the acquisition and making the F-16 aircraft operational, as part of the major acquisition program Romanian Air Force's Multitask Aircraft.

Phase I stipulated the acquisition and rendering operational the first squadron consisting in 12 F-16 Mid-Life Update (MLU) Aircraft from the Portuguese Air Force excess, while Phase II stipulates the completion of the fleet with 5 more F-16 aircraft.

Thus, at 11 December 2019, Romania's Parliament endorsed the law which enables the procurement of 5 more aircraft from the Portuguese partner and a package of goods and services, which includes the Mid-Life Upgrade of the F-16 aircraft, including the 12 ones which are already in the service of the Romanian Air Force.

The Press Office