Romanian Purchase Of F16 Planes Needs Parliament Approval – Defense Min

"This purchase was suggested by specialists in the Air Force, the people who will use these planes. I trust their recommendation, but the final decision is up to the Parliament. We're talking about a strategic choice which the Romanian people will make through the Parliament," the defense minister said in a press conference.

Oprea said the proposal was discussed by the state High Council of Defense. From there it will pass to the two Chambers' committees for matters of national defense and then to the Senate and Chamber of Deputies plenum.

The Defense Ministry said in a press release last week this purchase is part of the strategic partnership between Romania and the United States, and the option to buy F-16 jets fits within the Air Force's strategy to gradually upgrade air defense capabilities, a strategy which aims to procure the F-35 JSF (Joint Strike Fighter).

The ministry said that, within the strategy, the first stage involves the purchase of 24 used f-16 fighter jets, the second stage involves the purchase of new F-16 fighter jets, the Block 50-52 variant and the final stage involves the purchase of 24 F-35 JSF fighters, in parallel with the removal from service of the initially acquired F-16 fighter jets.

"The value of the project reaches some $1.3 billion, and the costs include: 24 revitalized and fully equipped jets, technical assistance for a period of three to five years and logistic support, flight simulators, pilot and staff training, transportation, adaptation of the ground infrastructure, ammunition, weaponry and administrative costs," the document reads.

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