Defence Minister’s meeting with his Norwegian counterpart, at the MoND Headquarters

Minister of National Defence, Angel Tîlvăr, received the visit of the Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Norway, Bjørn Arild Gram, on Friday, November 1st, at the MoND Headquarters. 

During the meeting, the officials addressed current issues regarding regional security, in the context of the conflict in Ukraine, and the impact of the war in the neighboring country on the regions of strategic importance for Romania and Norway – the Black Sea, the Western Balkans and the Far North. 

The Minister of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, Ștefan-Radu Oprea, also attended the bilateral dialogue. 

The substantial support that Norway provided to Romania consisting in procuring an advanced Patriot surface-to-air Missile System was another important topic of discussion. The financial contribution of NOK 1.4 billion (approximately $ 127 million) is provided under the German-led Immediate Action on Air Defence Initiative. This funding reflects Norway's commitment to Euro-Atlantic security and the concrete support provided to Romania in replacing the Patriot system donated by our country to Ukraine.

"Through this significant contribution, Norway demonstrates not only its firm support for Romania, but also its commitment to allied security. We continue to stand together with Ukraine. Minister Tîlvăr emphasized the successful cooperation between the two countries’ air forces within the "Multirole Air Force Aircraft" Procurement Program, through which the Government of Romania awarded the Government of the Kingdom of Norway the contract for the purchase of 32 F-16 aircraft, with initial logistical support, and of a package of complementary goods and services (from the Government of the United States of America). The number of aircraft delivered has already reached 12 with the arrival, less than a week ago, of three more F-16 Fighting Falcon multirole fighter at the 71st "General Emanoil Ionescu" Air Base, from Câmpia Turzii, in order to equip the 48th Fighter Squadron. Completion of the entire batch reception is estimated for the end of 2025. 

"The F-16 aircraft are delivered to Romania in operational condition, which represents, in fact, a transfer of capability between two countries of the Alliance, which directly contributes to the strengthening of NATO's defence posture on the eastern flank. These aircraft’s available resource ensures their operation for at least 10 year- transition period to the 5th generation aircraft, the F-35, a contract that we hope to sign by the end of this year", Defence Minister stated.

With reference to this topic, both Minister Tîlvăr and Minister Oprea expressed their openness for new collaborations in the defence industry between the two countries, an emphasis being placed on the transfer of modern technology to Romania - for the integration of the military equipment manufacturing, as much as possible, on the national territory or for the establishment of economic enterprises intended for the entire life-cycle maintenance of the equipment that could be purchased from the Norwegian defence industry, as part the of the Romanian Armed Forces’ procurement programs.

"The cooperation between Romania and Norway in the multirole aircraft procurement program is a model of efficiency and professionalism, demonstrating how sustainable partnerships can be formed, with benefits for both parties. This is a collaboration that we also want to replicate in other joint projects," the Minister of National Defence added.

Angel Tîlvăr also presented the importance that the MineCountermeasures Black Sea Task Group (MCM Black Sea) - established by Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey- holds in countering the risks posed by sea mines and in maintaining the safety of navigation routes. In this context, the Romanian Defence Minister invited his Norwegian side to join this initiative, by sending personnel and specialized equipment.

In conclusion, the two officials agreed to continue the political-military dialogue, highlighting the importance of a close and coordinated collaboration in the context of security threats in the region and the enhanced bilateral defence relationship.

The Chief of Defense, General Eirik Kristoffersen, was also part of the delegation of the Norwegian Minister, who had a meeting with his Romanian counterpart, General Gheorghiță Vlad, as part of this visit.

The Press Office