US deploys F-16 jets to Romania for NATO’s air policing mission

Europe, News, US September 25, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

United States Air Force sent its four F-16 fighter jets to Fetesti Air Base in Romania, on September 22, 2023, to further enhance NATO air policing in the Black Sea region.

NATO Alliance spokesperson Dylan White said, “I welcome the United States’ deployment of additional F-16 fighter jets to NATO’s air policing mission in Romania.”

NATO’s acting spokesperson said in a statement that the U.S. deployment of F-16 jets “sends a clear message that we will protect every Ally. As Russia continues its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, we have seen a number of strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure very close to NATO territory. We remain vigilant and in close contact with Allies in the region.”

After Russia’s full-fledged invasion of Ukraine, NATO has reinforced its presence in the eastern part of the Alliance, with new multinational battlegroups, more air and maritime presence, and frequent surveillance flights.

NATO drones have also intensified surveillance activities on the eastern flank to collect intelligence and support the defense of the Allies. NATO drone unit regularly operates its RQ-4D, high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) unmanned aircraft, to conduct Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

*^{Romanian Air Force F-16 fighter jets. (Image Credit: Kiril Todorov)}*

At present, there are several hundred F-16 jets operating across Europe. Romania, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Poland, Greece, and Turkey, among other European states, are using F-16s to protect airspace and support integrated NATO peacekeeping missions.

The U.S. defense manufacturer Lockheed Martin has also established a European F-16 training center in Romania in September 2023. According to the Lockheed Martin statement, the European center of F-16 will focus on “ensuring the effectiveness and safety of Romanians flying and operating F-16 fighter jets and could eventually expand to include training for other nations.”

Earlier this month, Russia used Iranian-made Shahed kamikaze drones to target Ukrainian port infrastructure along the Danube River. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said that the Russian drones detonated on neighboring Romanian territory, however, Romania’s Ministry of Defense denied the reports. The Romanian ministry stated that the Russian drones did not fall on Romanian territory during the attack on Ukrainian port infrastructure.