The US Donates Another C-130 Hercules Transport Aircraft To The Romanian Air Force
Within the framework of the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) Program, the US has delivered one C-130H2 transport aircraft from the USAF’s inventory to the Romanian Air Force free of charge. The C-130H2 Hercules aircraft arrived on September 15, and between September 17 and September 29, US instructors trained the Romanian crew at the 90th Airlift Base to familiarize them with the new equipment.
According to a statement issued by the Romanian Ministry of Defense, the donation in question demonstrates Romania and the United States’ strong and enduring security cooperation, as well as their shared commitment to regional stability and security. The ministry also stated that this demonstrates that the US values Romania as a strategic partner and key NATO ally, and that it supports Bucharest’s efforts to modernize its defense capabilities.
This new aircraft, which will improve Romania’s airlift capabilities and interoperability with NATO allies, particularly on the Alliance’s eastern flank, will be stationed at the 90th Airlift Base (Base 90 Transport), which also houses the Romanian air force’s 901st and 902nd Transport and Reconnaissance squadrons. The 90th Airlift Base near Bucharest is currently home to seven C-27J Spartans, one Antonov An-26, two An-30 Clanks, four C-130 Bs, and two C-130 Hs. Romania plans to receive another C-130H aircraft as part of the Excess Defense Articles Program by the end of 2023.
Security ties are at the heart of US-Romania relations. In the last five years, the US has transferred defense systems worth $88.8 million to Romania through the Excess Defense Articles program. Furthermore, the United States has approximately $6.2 billion in active sales cases for US-origin defense articles and services to Romania under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. In addition, as part of Romania’s support for Ukraine, the United States provided an additional $148 million in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) assistance to Bucharest in Fiscal Year 2022.