A new squadron of F-16s will perform air policing missions. Moșteanu: “Romania defends its airspace”

Defense Minister Ionuț Moșteanu announced, in a post on Facebook, that another squadron of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft of the Romanian military aviation has been certified to carry out air police missions under NATO command. Romania will thus have two squadrons of this type, to which is added one sent by Germany.

“Romania defends its airspace. A new squadron of F-16 Fighting Falcon enters mission under NATO command.
From today, the 48th Fighter Aviation Squadron from the 71st Air Base Câmpia Turzii performs Air Police missions in the airspace of Romania. It is the second F-16 Fighting Falcon squadron certified for NATO missions – a clear proof of the professionalism of the Romanian Air Force and our ability to operate alongside NATO allies”, wrote Ionuț Moșteanu.

Thus, Romania's airspace will be protected by three squadrons: two Romanian ones, at Fetești and Câmpia Turzii, and one consisting of Typhoon aircraft of the German Air Force, at Mihail Kogălniceanu.

“Together, they form a real security umbrella on NATO's Eastern Flank. Every air policing mission, every hour of flight, every team behind these aircraft is part of a collective effort – to keep peace and security in the region.”

At the moment, Romania operates 38 F-16 aircraft (the first 17 being those from Portugal, which make up the fighter squadron from the 86 Borcea air base). By the end of the year, our country will rely on 49 such combat vehicles.