Norway Sold 32 F-16 Fighters to Romania

We are now implementing the agreement we signed with Romania in November last year on the sale of Norwegian F-16 aircraft to the Romanian armed forces. This will be an important contribution to strengthening the air defense of a NATO ally, while providing added value to the Norwegian defense industry. The sale has already been approved by both the Norwegian and American authorities, says Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (SP). - This will be the largest military equipment disposal agreement ever signed by Norway. Norway's F-16 fighters are among the best maintained in the world and have a consistently high technical standard. A lot of work has been done here to sell fighters and defense equipment. I would like to congratulate Romania, our NATO ally, which has been professional in the negotiations. The sale will strengthen and modernize the defense of an allied nation that neighbors Ukraine, Gram says. Preparation of the fighters before their delivery to Romania Before the aircraft are delivered to Romania, all aircraft must undergo maintenance. For this reason, Defense Materials has expanded the agreement with Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services (KAMS) to maintain F-16 fighters for sale to Romania. This involves the preparation of a total of 32 F-16 fighters. The agreement also includes technical assistance and support for the training of Romanian technical personnel. The value of the expanded contract with KAMS exceeds NOK 700 million. - This agreement is important to be able to sell F-16 aircraft to Romania. Norwegian F-16s are among the best maintained in the world.

“Based on the unique national experience and knowledge that KAMS has, we hope that this agreement will contribute to the aircraft serving Romania well for several years,” says Gro Jære, Director of Defense Materials. The F-16 fighters will receive maintenance so that they are ready to serve in Romania. KAMS has 40 years of experience in maintaining, repairing and upgrading Norway's F-16 fleet. - This confirms our position as a partner and provider of maintenance services for the Norwegian defense sector and our allies. This agreement secures and further develops significant national expertise in fighter aircraft maintenance in Norway, which in turn will be valuable for the support and maintenance of F-35 aircraft in the future, says Atle Wøllo, CEO of Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services. Enlarge image Atle Wøllo, CEO of Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services and Director of Defense Materiel (FMA), Gro Jære, signed the agreement today. Atle Wøllo, CEO of Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services and Director of Defense Materiel (FMA), Gro Jære, signed the agreement today. Photo: Defense team Data on the elimination of Norwegian F-16 fighters. In September 2019, the Ministry of Defense commissioned Defense Material to lead the disposition of the F-16 system within current regulations in the most favorable manner for the state. In November 2022, Defense Material signed a contract with Romania for the sale of two squadrons, 32 aircraft, with associated equipment. The sale also includes spare parts and training of technical personnel. The process for the sale of Norwegian F-16s and aircraft-related equipment is extensive, and the sale must be approved by both US and Norwegian authorities. Therefore, there is strict control over who can receive the Norwegian F-16 aircraft. The sale represents income of 388 million euros. The sale contributes to the income of the Norwegian industry, which has been tasked with maintaining and modifying the aircraft before delivery. The defense team has also signed a sales contract for up to 12 F-16s to the American company Draken International. The planes will be used in training against US fighter jets. This sale has not yet been approved by the Norwegian or American authorities.