Nothing But Netz: Romania’s New Fighters

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/nothing-but-netz-will-romanias-new-fighters-come-from-israel-01499/

 

That left a small set of options:

• Used F-16 Falcons, from Israel or from other NATO countries, including the USA.

• Mirage 2000s, possibly used, from France.

• Leased JAS-39 Gripens from Sweden. These may be more expensive than used aircraft, but they are far more capable, may offer maintenance cost improvements, and come with industrial offsets and leasing options.

• Russian aircraft with upgraded Western avionics etc., much as Israel did for their Lancers. The MiG-29 is the only modern Russian fighter in Romania's likely cost profile. Downsides include less NATO interoperability during operations outside of Romania, and extra costs per plane due to the required refits