Quote: "Now reports in the Israeli press indicated that Romania and may go another route, and spend $150 million to purchase 'dozens' of used F-16A Netz (Hebrew for 'Falcon') aircraft from Israel. Israeli contractor Elbit Systems would be the lead contractor, overseeing their refurbishment and upgrade with newer Israeli electronics.
This could be a good deal for both parties. The Romanians would receive a version of the most widely-adopted fighter in NATO, with electronics that would be interoperable with NATO standards. The reports note that the Israeli Air force ('Cheyl Ha'Avir') plans to phase out at least some of its 75 older F-16A/B planes as it introduces 102 new F-16I Soufa (Storm) jets, which incorporate all of the F-16 Block 52 advancements plus Israeli electronics and weapons. Reports claim that a special committee has been set up to coordinate the various stages of what seems to be a complicated deal.
[.....]
Its possible choices also tend to narrow down to the lightweight fighter segment, in order to achieve even the 24 modern fighters desired for the kind of money the country will want to spend.
That leaves a small set of options:
* Used F-16 Falcons, from Israel or from other NATO countries.
* Mirage 2000s, possibly used, from France.
* Leased JAS-39 Gripens from Sweden. May be more expensive than used aircraft, but provides a 4th-generation fighter and comes with industrial offsets.
* Russian aircraft with upgraded Western avionics et. al., much as Israel did for their Lancers. The MiG-29 is the only modern Russian fighter in Romania's likely cost profile. Downsides include minimized NATO interoperability, and extra costs per plane due to the required refit.
The one potential downside to the F-16 is the necessity of US approval for technology transfer or sale. After all, these Romanian deal rumours come hot on the heels of the forced freeze of Venezuela's $100 million F-16A upgrade contract with Israel, under a new system in which the USA exercises far more say than ever before regarding Israeli weapons deals.
[.....]
In Romania's case, however, Israel is transferring the weapons themselves, not just maintaining them with Israeli technology. Formal American approval has always been required for any transfer of US equipment to third countries.
Fortunately, sales to a new NATO member like Romania aren't likely to attract any vetos from the USA.
Indeed, rumor has it that the potential deal with Romania was given a provisional green light by the American government and by Lockheed Martin. If matters have reached that point, the F-16 deal with the Israeli government is at a more advanced stage than the Romanians are letting on."
Admittedly, those early, former ANG A/Bs are tired old birds and the $150M price reflects it - but could this be the breakthrough needed for IAI's Falcon ACE upgrade package to gain its first sale?
A342 From Germany, joined Jul 2005, 3828 posts, RR: 1 Reply 1, posted (2 years 3 weeks 6 days 13 hours ago) and read 12705 times:
I'm confused - upgraded Israeli F-16s were the first aircraft to be considered. Then the focus shifted away from them, towards the Gripen, new F-16s, the Eurofighter and the Rafale. From what the Romanian press wrote on this matter, they want 48 aircraft, not 24, and a budget of $3.5bn has been allocated for the programme (but that also includes the money for new SAMs).
Wvsuperhornet From United States, joined Aug 2007, 380 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (2 years 3 weeks 6 days 9 hours ago) and read 12664 times:
Quoting DEVILFISH (Thread starter): The one potential downside to the F-16 is the necessity of US approval for technology transfer or sale. After all, these Romanian deal rumours come hot on the heels of the forced freeze of Venezuela's $100 million F-16A upgrade contract with Israel, under a new system in which the USA exercises far more say than ever before regarding Israeli weapons deals.
I dont know much about this but I assumed it was already a done deal I know the US had already approved the sale and upgrade of these aircraft several years ago from Isreal to Romania so the US denying it isnt going to happen. Well Unless Romania decides to vote Hugo Chavez in as president anyway..lol. (Just trying to be funny) I doubt that would happen. Romania has back both US lead wars and weather you like President Bush or not one thing he has been is very loyal to to the allies that have helped up with military equipment. Anyway I feel this would be their best option at least until they have the money and the F-35 is availible, the only other option I could see them going for is the F-18 E/F but that would probably be overkill for a small country like Romania. The Israeli used F-16 have relativley low mileage on them and would be a perfect fit for a country like romania that and I believe Israel upgraded their MIG-21 some years back so they are familiar with each other.
EBJ1248650 From United States, joined Jun 2005, 1532 posts, RR: 2 Reply 6, posted (2 years 3 weeks 5 days 14 hours ago) and read 12609 times:
Quoting DEVILFISH (Thread starter): Admittedly, those early, former ANG A/Bs are tired old birds and the $150M price reflects it - but could this be the breakthrough needed for IAI's Falcon ACE upgrade package to gain its first sale?
I don't believe Israel got former ANG birds. I thought all of their F-16s were purchased new. Now, if we're talking about pulling some of the old US ANG birds from the bone yard and updating them, I'd have to agree they're already tired and are best left sitting where they are.
"The Israel Defense Force/Air Force ordered a total of 362 F-16s, from early F-16A/Bs to the latest F-16I. Fifty of these aircraft were surplus USAF aircraft, given to Israel by the US as payment for restraint during the 1991 Gulf War despite Scud attacks. All Israeli F-16s are fitted with custom Israeli electronics."
Peace Marble IV
"As payment for restraint during the 1991 Gulf War, Israel was provided with 50 surplus USAF F-16A/B's, all Block 10 aircraft. Contrary to earlier deliveries, these aircraft retained their USAF air superiority gray color scheme at that time. The aircraft are called Netz II locally. The first of these (ex- 'DO' 907th FG and 'MI' 127th FW aircraft) were delivered on August 1st, 1994 under the Peace Marble IV program. The delivery was completed in late 1994.
About half of these aircraft were ex-ANG/AFRes aircraft, with the remainder being brought out of storage at Davis-Monthan AFB. The largest batch delivered to Israel were 12 F-16A/B's from the 157th Fighter Interceptor Squadron from the South Carolina ANG. These F-16A/B's will be used primarily for training, but will undergo a number of modifications prior to entering IDFAF service."
F27Friendship From Netherlands, joined Jul 2007, 1087 posts, RR: 6 Reply 9, posted (2 years 3 weeks 3 days 15 hours ago) and read 12520 times:
Quoting Wvsuperhornet (Reply 4): option I could see them going for is the F-18 E/F but that would probably be overkill for a small country like Romania.
Actually Romania isn't that small, as you can see on this map.
Quoting Wvsuperhornet (Reply 4): believe Israel upgraded their MIG-21 some years back so they are familiar with each other.
Romanian Aerostar is an important MiG upgrader itself.
I'd put my money on Gripen BTW. Not sure what Romania's ambitions in NATO are, but I can image they have other prioritues over having a large expiditionary force.
DEVILFISH From Philippines, joined Jan 2006, 3162 posts, RR: 2 Reply 10, posted (1 year 6 months 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 12188 times:
Update:
As it turns out, the U.S. is offering Romania 24 new Block 50 or 52 aircraft, and another 24 used Block 25 F-16C/Ds for a total cost of US$ 4.5 billion.....Does Romania have that much money to spare?
Quote: "A combination of new and used Lockheed Martin F-16s equipped with targeting pods and helmet-mounted mission controls highlight new details of the US government's estimated $4.5 billion bid to supply the Romanian Air Force with 48 multi-role fighters.
[.....]
The US will offer 24 new F-16C/Ds Block 50 or 52s, depending on Romania's engine choice, and 24 used F-16C/D Block 25s powered by Pratt & Whitney engines."
Wvsuperhornet From United States, joined Aug 2007, 380 posts, RR: 0 Reply 11, posted (1 year 6 months 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 11975 times:
Quoting DEVILFISH (Reply 10): As it turns out, the U.S. is offering Romania 24 new Block 50 or 52 aircraft, and another 24 used Block 25 F-16C/Ds for a total cost of US$ 4.5 billion.....Does Romania have that much money to spare?
As crappy as the US dollar is doing now, if they are going to purchase any new US military hardware now would be the time to do it, they would get more bang for the buck "so to speak anyway". Personally I think Romania has helped us out enough I would really like to see the US do the same thing for them militararly as far as assistance as they do for Israel, I think our technology would be more secure over there. That and the Romanian economy while not strong by western european standards is doing much better. But i have no vote in it just shouting out!!!!..lol
Wvsuperhornet From United States, joined Aug 2007, 380 posts, RR: 0 Reply 13, posted (1 year 6 months 1 hour ago) and read 11891 times:
Quoting A342 (Reply 12): Actually the Romanian economy is booming.
But if Romania buys F-16s, I'd prefer Block 60 aircraft.
Really thats a good thing then. I would prefer the block 60 also, but I am not sure Romania would need a advanced aircraft like that, the block 60 is on the same lines as the F-35 but without the stealth it may be a little too much aircraft for them. The block 52 is a good aircraft and will do them a good job.
Romania nears decision on MiG-21 Lancer replacement
By Luca Peruzzi
Quote: "Romania could announce the winner of a tender for up to 48 new fighter aircraft within the next six months, say government defence representatives. However, the conclusion of its contest will depend on the near-term election of a new government and approval for a budget allocation that could yet reduce acquisition numbers."
TGIF From Sweden, joined Apr 2008, 190 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (9 months 4 days 19 hours ago) and read 9025 times:
Update:
Looks like the economic crises has taken it's toll ones again:
Quote: BUCHAREST, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Romania is likely to shelve multibillion-euro plans to buy fighter planes to bring its air force up to NATO standards this year because of a lack of cash in its crisis-stricken budget, a senior coalition official said.
...
"Purchasing fighter jets this year is out of the question in such a difficult situation," Mircea Geoana, head of the coalition's Social Democrat party (PSD), told Reuters.
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