Bucharest, September 13, 2023 – Romania could host a new Maintenance and Logistic Support Center for F-16 “Fighting Falcon” aircraft, according to a Memorandum of Understanding signed on Wednesday in Bucharest, informs the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, in a press release.
The document was initialed in the presence of the minister, Ştefan-Radu Oprea, between the Norwegian company Kongsberg and Romaero S.A.
“Within the bilateral collaboration between the two companies, the new Memorandum of Understanding reiterates the commitment to create jobs for highly qualified specialists, educational programs based on cutting-edge technology, research and development opportunities and benefits for several sectors of the Romanian industry Also, the new collaboration could lead to the execution by Romaero of intermediate and complex maintenance operations, as well as logistical support for the F-16 aircraft in the Romanian Air Force’s equipment. Later, the newly established capability could ensure the support operational and for other F-16 aircraft belonging to the states of Central and Eastern Europe (…) Depending on what will be decided at the level of the Romanian Government, Kongsberg wants to start discussions and negotiations to perfect with Romaero, a partnership of long-term. In this context, it is also desired to complete an Agreement regarding the relevant contracting format, beneficial to both parties”, the press release states.
Kongsberg is a company majority owned by the Norwegian government, the rest of its shares being traded on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The Norwegian partner is the only authorized center outside the US for the F-16 at “Depot” level. The company can develop a unique F-16 maintenance and repair capability, which includes the local aerospace and defense industry, in support of the Romanian Air Force.
Romaero has experience in the maintenance of military aircraft integrated by Lockheed Martin, as well as the necessary infrastructure to service the F-16 aircraft, and between the Government of Romania and the Government of Norway, there is an Agreement regarding the delivery of aircraft of the specified type, from the fleet of the Royal Air Force Norwegian.
“This Memorandum is proof of our effective involvement in fulfilling Romania’s commitment to strengthen its civil and military interoperability capabilities in the European Union and on the eastern flank of NATO, valuing the best specialists in the field,” said Bogdan Costaş, the Director General of ROMAERO.
ROMAERO’s cooperation with KONGSBERG will contribute to bringing together the qualified national workforce in this field, the educational infrastructure and the available facilities, so that the prerequisites for effective cooperation with all relevant local companies will be established.
