– Now we are implementing the agreement we signed with Romania last November regarding the sale of Norwegian F-16 fighters to the Romanian army. This will be an important contribution to strengthening the air force of a NATO ally, while also benefiting the Norwegian defense industry. The sale has been approved by both Norwegian and American authorities, said Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
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– This will be the largest contract for the sale of military equipment in the history of Norway. Norwegian F-16 fighters were among the best maintained in the world and are characterized by a high technical standard. A lot of work has been done to sell these fighter planes through Forsvarsmateriell. I would like to commend our NATO ally Romania, which remained professional throughout the negotiations. This sale will strengthen and modernize the armed forces of the state, which is a neighbor of Ukraine, Gram said.
Preparation of fighters before delivery to Romania
Before handing over the planes to Romania, all planes will undergo maintenance. As a result, Forsvarsmateriell has extended its contract with Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services (KAMS) for the maintenance of F-16 fighters for sale to Romania. This includes the preparation of a total of 32 F-16 fighters. The contract also includes technical assistance and training for Romanian technical staff. The value of the extended contract with KAMS is over CZK 700 million.
– This agreement is important for the sale of F-16 aircraft to Romania. Norwegian F-16s are among the best maintained in the world. Based on the unique domestic knowledge and experience that KAMS has, we expect that this agreement will contribute to ensuring that the aircraft will serve Romania well for many years to come,” said Gro Jære, director of Forsvarsmateriell.
The F-16 fighters will undergo maintenance and be kept ready for service in Romania. KAMS has 40 years of experience in the maintenance, repair and modernization of Norway's F-16 fleet.
– This confirms our position as a partner and service provider for the Norwegian defense sector and our allies. This agreement secures and further develops important national expertise in the maintenance of fighter aircraft in Norway, which in turn will be valuable for the support and maintenance of F-35 aircraft in the future, says Atle Wøllo, general manager of Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services.
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Source: regjeringen
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