Romanian Air Force

The Romania Air Force, officially known as the Romanian Air Force and Air Defense, is the aerial warfare branch of the Romanian Armed Forces. It was established on April 1, 1913, making it one of the oldest air forces in the world. Initially equipped with French aircraft, it played an important role during World War I, conducting reconnaissance and bombing operations. During World War II, the air force fought alongside the Soviet Union against Germany and Hungary, subsequently being reorganized and modernized with Soviet equipment. Following the end of the communist era in 1989, the Romanian Air Force has undergone several modernization programs, acquiring Western-built aircraft such as F-16 Fighting Falcons. It operates a variety of aircraft, including fighter jets, attack helicopters, transport aircraft, and surveillance drones. The air force focuses on territorial defense and participates in NATO missions, including air policing and peacekeeping operations.

Key facts

Official Name	Romanian Air Force
Local Name	Forțele Aeriene Române
Country	🇷🇴 Romania
World rank	#60
Active aircrafts	146 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	60
Roundel

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Helicopters	61
Training	42
Combat aircrafts	30
Transport	11
Special missions	2

Aircrafts most used by Romanian air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
SA330 Puma	60	French medium-lift utility helicopter with extensive global service in troop transport since the late 1960s.
IAR-99 Șoim	19	Romanian jet trainer, noteworthy for its use in the Romanian Air Force since the late 20th century.
F-16 Fighting Falcon	17	American multirole fighter, famed in late Cold War conflicts, renowned for performance in precision daytime strikes and defensive counter air operations.
MiG-21 Fishbed	16	Soviet supersonic jet fighter, renowned for extensive service during the Cold War, prevalent in various international conflicts.
Yak-52	14	Soviet primary trainer aircraft, renowned for its extensive service in DOSAAF training program during the late 20th century.
G.222	7	Italian tactical military transporter, produced during the Cold War, notably employed by NATO and UN peacekeeping missions.
SA316 Alouette III	7	French utility helicopter, popular in the Cold War-era, extensively utilized for search and rescue, and light transport roles.
C-130 Hercules	3	American military transport aircraft, known for significant roles in Vietnam War and Desert Storm, extensively used for various cargo missions.
An-30 Clank	2	Soviet photo-mapping aircraft, operational in Cold War-era, widely utilised for aerial cartography and surveillance roles.
An-26 Curl	1	Soviet twin-engined transport aircraft, widely utilized in both civilian and military roles since the 1960s.

Full inventory in 2024