Defense Minister Radu Mirutse told Digi24 in an interview that they were accompanied by military personnel and that this enhances Romania’s defense capabilities. “In the coming days, other planes are likely to arrive in the approved number. This issue is being resolved in line with the strategy of the American partner and the parliament’s decision,” the defense minister told Digi24.
The minister emphasized that only refueling planes have landed so far. “The authorization for their use has been issued to Otopeni and Mihail Kogălnicanu companies. The decision whether to deliver them to Otopeni or Mihail Kogălnicanu is made by the American partner, about whom we have no information, it is just his strategic decision,” Radu Miruta specified.
The airplanes arrived with military escort. They will be operated by 400-500 servicemen. “Together with the planes, some number of servicemen arrived, as well as other equipment that the US will install on Romanian territory to increase the deterrence potential,” Mirutse added, specifying that he did not know the exact number of servicemen.
After refueling, the planes flew to the Mihail Cogalniceanu base in Constanta county. From there they will actually begin their air refueling missions. These are the aircraft used to refuel fighter jets such as the F15, F22 or F35.
