On August 28, 2025, the Romanian Ministry of National Defence announced the arrival of three additional F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcon multirole fighters from Norway at the 86th Air Base Borcea near Fetești. The jets will be assigned to the 571st Squadron, set to relocate to the 57th Air Base once its modernization is completed.
With this delivery, Romania now operates 21 out of 32 F-16s purchased under a €388 million contract signed in November 2021. The agreement also includes spare parts, logistics, and pilot training. The remaining 11 aircraft are expected by the end of 2025. All jets are being upgraded to the M6.5.2 standard, tailored to Romanian and NATO mission requirements.
This acquisition follows Romania’s earlier procurement of 17 F-16s from Portugal between 2016 and 2021. Once the Norwegian fleet is complete, the Romanian Air Force will field 49 F-16AM/BM aircraft across three squadrons, replacing the MiG-21 LanceR fleet retired in 2023 and serving as a bridge until the arrival of fifth-generation fighters.
The upgraded F-16s feature NATO’s Mid-Life Update package, including Link 16 datalink, modernized radars, improved cockpit systems, and Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 engines. Their multirole weapons package includes AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9 Sidewinder, AGM-65 Maverick, JDAM, and other precision-guided munitions.
Meanwhile, Romania is investing heavily in the modernization of the 57th Air Base. Once completed, the site will function as a NATO-standard “military city,” providing facilities for logistics, maintenance, housing, healthcare, and training. A new runway is scheduled for completion in 2027.
Romania’s long-term strategy also includes the acquisition of 32 F-35A Lightning II fighters, confirmed in November 2024, with deliveries beginning in 2030. These will achieve full operational capability between 2034 and 2040, positioning Romania among the first Eastern European operators of fifth-generation aircraft.
In parallel, discussions are ongoing regarding the potential transfer of 18 Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16s currently stationed at the 86th Air Base. If finalized, the deal would further strengthen Romania’s role as a leading NATO airpower on the alliance’s southeastern flank.
