United States Department of State approved the F-16 modernization and related equipment to Romania at an estimated cost of $175.4 million via the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) channel. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) submitted the necessary certificate notifying Congress of this modernization.
The Government of Romania has requested to buy upgrades to the avionics, software, communication equipment, navigational aids, and cockpit of its Mid-Life Update (MLU) Block 15 F-16 aircraft fleet along with additional logistics support.
The contract on the F-16 modernization at an estimated cost of $175.4 million (estimated costs reported by DSCA indicate maximum, contract costs generally lower) includes:
- LN-260 Global Positioning Systems (GPS) (8)
- Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS JTRS) (19)
- AN/APX-126 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)
- RC-210 Radios
- KIV-78 Cryptographic Appliques
- other secure communications, navigation, and encryption devices
- Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) software
Also included are aircraft minor modification, integration and test support, support equipment, software and software support; personnel training; spare and repair parts; publications and technical documentation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support.
After the request is approved, Romania will enter into an agreement with Lockheed Martin.
