Romania has taken delivery of an additional F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the Portuguese Air Force.

Both countries have signed documents for the transfer of three more F-16 aircraft on 13 December this year.

The documentation transferred to Romania includes all aircraft configuration and maintenance records and aircraft log books, as well as the respective Airworthiness Certificate for export, issued by Portugal’s National Aeronautical Authority (AAN).

In addition, ancillary documentation was also handed over by the General Directorate of National Defense Resources, the Ministry of National Defense under the Government Quality Assurance (GQA).

The three F-16s intended took-off from the Air Base No 5 (BA5) at Monte Real on 15 December and landed in Romania, Air Base Borcea, in the late afternoon on the same day.

"The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multi-role fighter aircraft that is serving 28 customers around the world."

Built by Lockheed Martin, the F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multi-role fighter aircraft that is serving 28 customers around the world.

The latest F-16 configuration's operational capabilities are enhanced through a Link-16 theatre data link, Sniper advanced targeting pod, advanced weapons, precision GPS navigation and auto ground collision avoidance system.

The aircraft also features active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, a modern commercial off-the-shelf (COTS)based avionics subsystem, a large-format, high-resolution display; and a high-volume, high-speed data bus.

Powered by General Electric F110-GE-129 or Pratt and Whitney F100-PW-229 engine, the 49.3ft-long aircraft can travel at a maximum speed of Mach 2+.

Image: A Portuguese Air Force F-16A outfitted with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, AN/ALQ-131 ECM pod, and external fuel tanks. Photo: courtesy of SSgt Ken Bergmann, USAF.