FMS: Romania Seeks F-16C/D Block 50/52 Aircraft

Released on Friday, May 16, 2008

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2008 � The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Romania of F-16C/D Block 50/52 Aircraft as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $4.5 billion.

The Government of Romania has requested a possible sale of 24 F-16C/D Block 50/52 aircraft with either the F100-PW-229 or F110-GE-129 Increased Performance Engines (IPE) and APG 68(V)9 radars; refurbishment and upgrades of 24 F-16C/D Block 25 aircraft being provided as Excess Defense Articles with the F100-PW- 220 Increased Performance Engines (IPE) and APG-68(V)1 radars; 4 F100-PW-229 or F110-GE-129 IPE spare engines; 5 F100-PW-220 IPE spare engines; 4 APG-68(V)9 spare radar sets; 60 LAU-129/A Launchers; 30 LAU-117 Launchers; 6 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems; 4 AN/ARC-238 Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS) with HAVE QUICK I/II; 24 Conformal Fuel Tanks (pairs); 4 Link-16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminals; 2 Link-16 Ground Stations; 4 Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Embedded GPS/ Inertial Navigation Systems (INS); 12 AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER or AN/AAQ-28 LITENING Targeting Pods; 4 Tactical Air Reconnaissance Systems or DB-110 Reconnaissance Pods (RECCE); 4 AN/APX-113 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) Systems; 28 AN/ALQ-213 Electronic Warfare Management Systems; 28 AN/ALQ- 211 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suite (AIDEWS); or AN/ALQ-187 Advanced Countermeasures Electronic Systems (ACES), or AN/ALQ-178 Self-Protection Electronic Warfare Suites (SPEWS). Also included: support equipment, software development/integration, tanker support, ferry services, CAD/PAD, repair and return, modification kits, spares and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $4.5 billion.

The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by enhancing the capability of Romania, a NATO ally. Delivery of this weapon system will greatly enhance Romania's interoperability with the U.S. and other NATO nations, making it a more valuable partner in an important area of the world, as well as supporting Romania's legitimate need for its own self- defense.

The proposed sale will allow the Romanian Air Force to modernize its aging air force by acquiring both new and used fighter aircraft, thereby enabling Romania to support both its own air defense needs and coalition operations. The country will have no difficulty absorbing this new capability into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this weapon system will not affect the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors will be:

BAE Advanced Systems Greenlawn, New York; Boeing Corporation Seattle, Washington; Boeing Integrated Defense Systems St Louis, Missouri (three locations) Long Beach, California San Diego, California; Raytheon Company Lexington, Massachusetts (two locations) Goleta, California; Raytheon Missile Systems Tucson, Arizona; Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Fort Worth, Texas; Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control Dallas, Texas; Northrop-Grumman Electro-Optical Systems Garland, Texas; Northrop-Grumman Electronic Systems Baltimore, Maryland; Pratt & Whitney United Technology Company East Hartford, Connecticut; General Electric Aircraft Engines Cincinnati, Ohio; Goodrich ISR Systems Danbury, Connecticut; L3 Communications Arlington, Texas

There are no known offset agreements in connection with this proposed sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips to Romania involving U.S. Government and contractor representatives for technical reviews/support, program management, and training over a period of 15 years.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.