Romania Buys American F-16s



F-16 Fighting Falcon
The Romanian government has been actively pursuing a deal to purchase fighter jets to replace its fleet of old and weathered Soviet-made MiG-21s. Competition for the contract has included Sweden with SAAB Gripen jets, France with Dassault Rafales jets, the European Union with Eurofighters (EADS, BAE Systems and Alenia/Finmeccanica) and the U.S. with second-hand F-16s.

Last week to the surprise of some, the Romanians decided to purchase 24 used F-16s as opposed to any brand-spanking-new European fighter jets. A crestfallen marketing director for SAAB said the deal is unfortunate because the Romanian Air Force may end up with "someone else's junk."

Presumably, and despite any behind-the-scene wheeling and dealing, a used American fighter jet is considered superior to any brand new product manufactured in Europe.

In any event, the Swedes are particularly puckered by the Romanian deal and it's been suggested that Sweden file a complaint with the World Trade Organization. At present, it's unclear whether the WTO recognizes sore-loser whining as the basis for a case. (Link)