Romanian authorities, who plan to replace the hunting MiG-12 planes could opt to purchase second hand F-16 planes, Defense state secretary Corneliu Dobritoiu declared, AFP informs. He added that in 10 years time, F-35 will be NATO's plane. Thus, he declared that Romania needs to take this information into account because if Romania will fail to invest in an airplane compatible with F35 might be isolated.
He showed that Romania needs the planes as soon as possible because Romanian military forces have to face insurgents and engage in dangerous missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Thus, Romania could purchase 24 second hand planes and 24 attack helicopters instead of buying 48 new planes but available in 2030.
Defense minister Teodor Melescanu declared in August that the ministry will start procedures to acquire fighting planes, for some 3.5 billion euro.
