32 used F-16s will be sold to Romania worth €388 million.
The Norwegian government has announced that they will be selling a total of 32 used 16 fighter jets to Romania. The fighter jets which were previously a part of the Norwegian Airforce will be overhauled completely before they are ready for delivery.
The F16s were first purchased in the 1980s and were taken out of active service earlier this year, as Norway plans to deploy the fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighters.
A statement issued by the Norwegian Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gram said: “the transaction will be an important contribution in view of reinforcing a NATO ally’s air force.” He further added the contract would also benefit the Norwegian defence industry as they will be involved with the refurbishment of the aircraft.
The €388 million deal was made as Romania plans to replace the obsolete Soviet MiG-21 fighters with the ongoing Russian invasion of neighbouring Ukraine. The refurbished aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2023 and 2024. The contract for the aircraft also includes training technicians, spare parts, and maintenance.
F16s were first introduced by Lockheed Martin in 1978 and came into service in 1979. They were the fourth-generation fighter aircraft that are being modernized even today with improved avionics and weapons systems.
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