The U.S. State Department said it has approved the potential sale to NATO ally Romania of equipment and services to modernize 32 F-16 aircraft.
The deal, valued at $105 million, will be conducted by a third-party transfer from Norway, according to a press release.
„This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national-security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe,” the State Department said.
„The proposed sale will improve Romania’s capability to meet current and future threats by bolstering its operational readiness while enhancing air and defense capabilities with a modernized fleet.”
„Romania has F-16s in its inventory and will have no difficulty absorbing these aircraft and equipment into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” the statement added.
The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin, Fort Worth, TX. The deal also must be approved by the U.S. Congress.
