The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a potential foreign military sale (FMS) of F-16 mid life upgrade (MLU) Block 15 aircraft weapons, equipment and support to Romania.
Under the $457 million sale, Romania has requested a possible sale of weapons, equipment, and support for a total of 12 F-16 MLU Block 15 aircraft that are being procured through a third party transfer from Portugal.
Articles and services requested under the FMS include 13 embedded global positioning systems/inertial navigation systems (EGPS/INS) with GPS security devices, airborne, three AN/ALQ-131 electronic countermeasure pods, 30 AIM-120C advanced medium range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAM), five AIM-120C captive air training missiles (CATMs), and 60 AIM-9M sidewinder missiles.
The package also includes four AIM-9M CATMs, 48 LAU-129 launchers, ten GBU-12 enhanced guided bomb units, 18 AGM-65H/KB Maverick missiles, four AGM-65 CATMs, 15 multifunctional information distribution system/low volume terminals and two multifunctional information distribution system ground support systems.
Romania also sought spare and repair parts, support equipment, software development/integration, test and equipment, personnel training and training equipment and other related elements of logistics and programme support.
Supporting the Romanian Air Force’s (RoAF) efforts to equip and utilise the 12 F-16 aircraft, the potential sale is also expected to help the country support both its own air defence requirements and also enhance the interoperability of the aircraft with those of the US and other Nato nations.
The FMS also contributes to the foreign policy and national security of the US by enhancing the security of Romania, which continues to serve as an important force for political stability and economic progress.
The prime contractors include Elbit Systems of America, Pratt and Whitney, BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman Aerospace Systems, ViaSat, Data Link Solutions, Snap-On and Booz Allen Hamilton Engineering Services.
Image: Romania is acquiring 12 second-hand F-16 fighter aircraft from the Portuguese Air Force. Photo: courtesy of USAF SSgt Ken Bergmann.
