Romania and Norway continue to stand with Ukraine in these „critical moments”, stated on Friday, the Minister of National Defense, Angel Tilvar, who met, at the National Defense Ministry (MapN) headquarters, with his counterpart from the Scandinavian country, Bjorn Arild Gram.
According to a press release from MApN, the substantial support that Norway provides to Romania in the acquisition of an advanced Patriot surface-to-air missile system represented another important topic of the discussions. The financial contribution of approximately 127 million dollars is provided within the Immediate Action Initiative for Air Defense, coordinated by Germany.
„Through this significant contribution, Norway demonstrates not only its firm support for Romania, but also its commitment to allied security. We continue to stand together with Ukraine in these critical moments”, declared the minister of National Defense.
Angel Tilvar highlighted the successful cooperation between the air forces of the two countries in the framework of the „Air Force Multirole Aircraft” endowment program, through which the Government of Romania awarded the Government of the Kingdom of Norway the contract for the purchase of 32 F-16 aircraft, with logistical support initially, and a package of complementary goods and services from the Government of the United States of America.
In total, 12 aircraft were received, after the arrival, less than a week ago, of three more F-16 Fighting Falcon multirole aircraft at the 71st „General Emanoil Ionescu” Air Base in Campia Turzii, in order to equip the 48th Squadron Hunting. Completion of the reception of the entire lot is estimated for the end of 2025.
„The F-16 aircraft are delivered to Romania in operational condition, which represents, in fact, a transfer of capability between two countries of the Alliance, which directly contributes to the strengthening of NATO’s defense posture on the Eastern Flank. The available resource of these aircraft ensure their operation for a transition period of at least 10 years, towards the 5th generation F-35 aircraft, a contract that we hope to sign by the end of this year”, the Romanian minister said.
Both Minister Tilvar and Minister of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, Stefan-Radu Oprea, who participated in the discussions, expressed openness to new collaborations in the defense industry between the two countries, with an emphasis on the transfer of modern technology to Romania – for the integration of the production of military equipment, in a process as large as possible, on the national territory or for the establishment of economic capacities intended for the maintenance, during the whole life, of the equipment that could be purchased from the Norwegian defense industry within the procurement programs of the Romanian Army.
„The cooperation between Romania and Norway in the multirole aircraft acquisition program is a model of efficiency and professionalism, demonstrating how sustainable partnerships can be achieved, with long-term benefits for both parties. This is a collaboration that we want to replicate in other common projects”, added the minister of National Defense.
Angel Tilvar also presented the importance that the Black Sea Mine Action Group (MCM Black Sea) – established by Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey – has in combating the risks represented by sea mines and in maintaining navigation routes safe. In this context, the Romanian minister of Defense addressed the invitation to the Norwegian side to join this initiative, by sending personnel and specialized equipment.
