Romania strengthens NATO’s air defense with a new squadron of F-16 fighter jets

English Posted on  —by Carro e motos
Romania expands NATO air defense with new F-16 fighter squadron

Romania expands NATO air defense with new F-16 fighter squadron (X @NATO)

Romania has strengthened its participation in NATO’s air defense by putting a second F-16 fighter squadron into operation as part of the Alliance’s air policing mission.

The new unit, the 48th Fighter Squadron, based at the 71st Air Base “General Emanoil Ionescu” in Câmpia Turzii, carried out its first missions under NATO command on October 20, 2025.

The operations aim to protect Romanian airspace and strengthen the security of NATO’s southeastern flank amid growing instability in the region. According to the Allied Air Command, the certification of the new squadron marks an important step in Romania’s integration into the Alliance’s air and missile defense network, making its fleet fully compatible with NATO standards.

With the addition of the 48th Squadron, the Romanian Air Force now operates two F-16 units, joining the 53rd Fighter Squadron in Fetești, and also benefits from the support of a German detachment equipped with Eurofighter Typhoon jets. Together, these forces ensure continuous monitoring of allied airspace and a rapid response to potential threats in the region.

Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @NATO | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.

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