Since 1980, the F-16 has been the very backbone of the Norwegian air force and has been on continuous alert for Norway and NATO. Defense materiel has now sold 32 Norwegian F-16 aircraft to NATO ally Romania. Before, Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) has sold up to 12 aircraft to American Draken International.
An era is over. After more than 40 years of faithful service where the Royal Norwegian Air Force solved missions and was on standby for Norway and NATO, NDMA has sold the majority of Norway’s F-16s to Romania. The contract also ensures income for the Norwegian state. Norway’s fighter aircraft are among the best maintained in the world, and have been subject to ongoing maintenance and upgrades. Even though they have finished their service in Norway, they will therefore serve Romania well for a number of years to come.
Phasing out and disposal of material which, for various reasons, is no longer to be used in the defense sector is one of the main tasks assigned to the NDMA. The disposal of material is carried out in accordance with standard instructions for scrapping and discarding material and buildings. The process for the sale of this type of military material to other nations is extensive, and must be carried out in accordance with the Act on the Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology, as well as guidelines issued by the Ministry of Defence.
