Defence Minister Mihnea Motoc told Europa FM private radio broadcaster on Monday that Romania is considering purchasing 12 more F-16 jet planes, with the producers for the award of the contract for this second squadron to be prepared this year.
Motoc said the first F-16s for the Romanian Air Forces will come this year.
“They are F-16 MLU (Mid-Life Upgraded), with still many flying resources. If my memory serves me right, they still have 4,000 flying hours, which means missions that can be conducted to 2020 and beyond. We have to complete some infrastructure works needed for their operation. (…) There will be some necessary changes being continued, as we are talking about a different culture switching from MIG 21 Lancers to F-16s, that is a cultural change entailing changes in the curricula of defence academies,” explained Motoc.
On the other hand, he said a modernisation programme is also envisaged for two frigates of the Romanian Navy.
The first F-16s to reach Romania will be deployed to the air bases of Campia Turzii, Fetesti and Bacau.
