View source for Romanian Air Force

{{Short description|Air warfare branch of Romania's military}}
{{Redirect|RoAF|the surname|Roaf}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2022}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name                     = Romanian Air Force
| native_name                   = {{lang|ro|Forțele Aeriene Române}}
| image                         = Statul Major al Fortelor Aeriene.png
| image_size                    = 200px
| caption                       = Emblem of the Romanian Air Force
| start_date                    = {{ubl|{{start date and age|1913|04|01|df=yes}}|1 January 1924 as an independent force category<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roaf.ro/?p=5264|title=Anul 1920|language=ro|work=RoAF}}</ref> }}
| country                       = {{flag|Romania}}
| allegiance                    = 
| branch                        = 
| type                          = [[Air force]]
| role                          = [[Aerial warfare]]
| size                          = 11,700 personnel
| command_structure             = [[Romanian Armed Forces]]
| garrison                      = [[Bucharest]]
| garrison_label                = Headquarters
| nickname                      = 
| patron                        = 
| motto                         = 
| colours                       = 
| colours_label                 = 
| march                         = 
| mascot                        = 
| anniversaries                 = 20 July<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stiri.tvr.ro/ziua-aviatiei-romane-si-a-fortelor-aeriene-100-de-ani-de-aviatie-militara_32928.html|title=Ziua Aviației Române și a Forțelor Aeriene. 100 de ani de aviație militară|date=24 December 2014|work=Stiriletvr.ro|access-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225005152/http://stiri.tvr.ro/ziua-aviatiei-romane-si-a-fortelor-aeriene-100-de-ani-de-aviatie-militara_32928.html|archive-date=25 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| equipment                     = 
| equipment_label               = 
| battles                       = 
| decorations                   = 
| battle_honours                = 
| battle_honours_label          = 
| flying_hours                  = 
| website                       = 
<!-- Commanders -->
| commander1                    = [[Lieutenant general]] Leonard-Gabriel Baraboi<ref name="chief of staff">{{cite web|url=https://www.roaf.ro/?page_id=28984|title=Șeful Statului Major al Forţelor Aeriene|language=ro|website=roaf.ro|access-date=19 December 2024}}</ref>
| commander1_label              = Chief of the Air Force Staff
| notable_commanders            = 
<!-- Insignia -->
| identification_symbol         = [[File:Roundel of Romania.svg|80px]]
| identification_symbol_label   = [[Military aircraft insignia|Roundel]]
| identification_symbol_2       = [[File:Romanian Battle Flag - Air Force Model.svg|80px]]
| identification_symbol_2_label = [[Military colors]]
| identification_symbol_3       = [[File:Flag of the Romanian Air Force (obverse).svg|80px]]
| identification_symbol_3_label = Identification flag (obverse)
| identification_symbol_4       = [[File:Romanian Air Force pilot badge.svg|80px]]
| identification_symbol_4_label = [[Aviator badge]]
<!-- Aircraft -->
| aircraft_attack               = 
| aircraft_bomber               = 
| aircraft_electronic           = 
| aircraft_fighter              = [[F-16|F-16AM]] [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon variants#F-16AM/BM Block 15 MLU|MLU]]
| aircraft_helicopter           = 
| aircraft_helicopter_attack    = [[IAR 330|IAR 330 SOCAT]]
| aircraft_helicopter_cargo     = 
| aircraft_helicopter_multirole = 
| aircraft_helicopter_observation = 
| aircraft_helicopter_trainer   = [[IAR 316]]
| aircraft_helicopter_utility   = [[IAR 330|IAR 330L/M Puma]]
| aircraft_interceptor          = 
| aircraft_patrol               = 
| aircraft_recon                = [[Antonov An-30]]
| aircraft_trainer              = [[F-16|F-16BM]], [[IAR 99]], [[Yakovlev Yak-52|Iak-52]]
| aircraft_transport            = [[Antonov An-26]], [[C-130 Hercules]], [[C-27J Spartan]] 
| aircraft_tanker               = 
| aircraft_general              = 
}}

The '''Romanian Air Force (RoAF)''' ({{langx|ro|Forțele Aeriene Române}}) is the [[air force]] branch of the [[Romanian Armed Forces]]. It has an air force headquarters, an operational command, five air bases, a logistics base, an air defense brigade, an air defense regiment and an [[ISR (Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance)|ISR]] brigade. Reserve forces include one air base and two airfields. In 2022, the Romanian Air Force employed 11,700 personnel.<ref name="balance 2022">{{cite book|title=The Military Balance 2022|author=[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]]|publisher=[[Routledge]]|pages=140–141|date=February 2022|isbn=978-1032279008}}</ref> The current chief of the Romanian Air Force Staff is [[Lieutenant general]] Leonard-Gabriel Baraboi, who succeeded [[Lieutenant general]] [[Viorel Pană]] on 29 November 2023.<ref name="chief of staff"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://umbrela-strategica.ro/generalul-maior-leonard-baraboi-este-noul-comandat-al-fortelor-aeriene-romane/|title=Generalul-maior Leonard Baraboi este noul comandat al Forțelor Aeriene Române|language=ro|work=Umbrela Strategică|date=29 November 2023}}</ref>

The Romanian Air Force was first formed as the Military Aeronautics Service on 1 April 1913, transformed into the [[Romanian Air Corps]] in 1915. The [[Romanian Land Forces|Army]]-subordinated Air Corps was reorganized as the independent [[Royal Romanian Air Force]] on 1 January 1924, then converted to the present-day Air Force in 1949. The Air Force went through a modernization plan in the 1990s and early 2000s, dropping the [[Socialist Republic of Romania|communist-era]] organization system in 1995 and adopting a [[NATO]]-compatible one instead as the country was preparing to [[Romania in NATO|join the Alliance]].

==Current state==
[[File:Romanian F-16.jpg|left|thumb|Romanian F-16 at the 86th Air Base [[Fetești]]]]

Currently, the Romanian Air Force operates the [[F-16 Fighting Falcon]] [[Multirole combat aircraft|multirole]] aircraft. The Romanian Air Force also operates [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|C-130 Hercules]], [[Alenia C-27J Spartan|C-27J Spartan]] and [[Antonov An-26|An-26]] transport airplanes and [[IAR 330]] helicopters. IAR 330 Puma SOCAT helicopters have been modernized by the [[Industria Aeronautică Română|Romanian Aviation Industry]] (IAR) in cooperation with [[Elbit Systems]] (from [[Israel]]) for [[attack helicopter|attack missions]]. The Romanian Air Force also includes locally built [[IAR 99|IAR 99 Șoim]] jets, in general only used for training of the young pilots.

In July 2023, following a [[Supreme Council of National Defense (Romania)|Supreme Council of National Defense]] (CSAT) meeting, the plan of hosting an F-16 training center in Romania was approved. The aim is for this center to become a regional training hub for Romanian and other allied fighter pilots, including [[Ukrainian Air Force|Ukrainians]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseromania.ro/romania-devine-oficial-centru-regional-de-f-16-pilotii-romani-ucraineni-si-aliati-vor-fi-pregatiti-aici_623459.html|title=România devine oficial centru regional de F-16. Piloții români, ucraineni și aliați vor fi pregătiți aici|language=ro|work=DefenseRomania|date=6 July 2023}}</ref> To support this decision, [[F-16 training coalition|an international coalition]] of 11 nations,{{efn|Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/07/11/7410869/|title=Group of 11 countries forms coalition for training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighters|work=[[Ukrainska Pravda]]|date=11 July 2023}}</ref> as well as Ukraine was formed during the [[2023 Vilnius summit]]. As part of this initiative, Romania is providing the necessary infrastructure of the 86th Air Base, the Netherlands provides the F-16 aircraft, and [[Lockheed Martin]] with its subcontractor [[Draken International]] provide the instructors and technicians.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stiri.tvr.ro/centrul-pentru-pregatirea-pilotilor-de-f-16-de-la-fetesti-organizat-de-romania-olanda-si-o-companie-americana_934984.html#view|title=Centrul pentru pregătirea piloţilor de F-16 de la Feteşti, organizat de România, Olanda şi o companie americană|language=ro|work=[[TVR (TV network)|TVR]]|date=14 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseromania.ro/seful-armatei-romaniei-hub-ul-pentru-f-16-va-fi-in-primul-rand-pentru-antrenarea-pilotilor-romani-romania-pune-la-punct-ultimele-detalii-inclusiv-cu-implicarea-lockheed-martin_623608.html|title=Șeful Armatei României: Hub-ul pentru F-16 va fi în primul rând pentru antrenarea piloților români. România pune la punct ultimele detalii, inclusiv cu implicarea Lockheed Martin|language=ro|work=DefenseRomania|date=15 July 2023}}</ref> The [[RoAF 86th Air Base#European F-16 Training Center|European F-16 Training Center]] became operational in November 2023,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kyivindependent.com/training-center-for-ukrainian-f-16-pilots-opens-in-romania/|title=Training center for Ukrainian F-16 pilots opens in Romania|author=Elsa Court|newspaper=[[The Kyiv Independent]]|date=13 November 2023}}</ref> and started training Ukrainian pilots in September 2024 after a first group of Romanian pilots.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tvrinfo.ro/ceremonie-la-baza-borcea-o-noua-serie-de-piloti-de-f-16-sunt-pregatiti-de-zbor/|title=Ceremonie la Baza Borcea. O nouă serie de piloți de F-16 sunt pregătiți de zbor|language=ro|website=tvrinfo.ro|date=26 July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/09/12/ukrainian-f-16-training-underway-in-romania/|title=Ukrainian F-16 training underway in Romania|author=Olena Mukhina|website=euromaidanpress.com|date=12 September 2024}}</ref> On 2 April 2025, it was reported that the F-16s used at the training center would be transferred to Romanian service thus forming a fourth squadron which would be used for training purposes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseromania.ro/netherlands-boosts-romanian-air-force-with-transfer-of-18-f-16-fighter-jets_633139.html|title=Great news for Romania: Netherlands boosts Romanian Air Force with transfer of 18 F-16 fighter jets|work=Defense Romania|date=2 April 2025}}</ref>

Due to the old age of the [[MiG-21 LanceR]]s, the Romanian Air Force [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon operators#Romania|procured F-16 fighters]] from partner states. In 2013, Romania signed a contract with [[Portugal]] for 12 F-16 A/B Block 15 MLU fighters.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mediafax.ro/social/romania-si-portugalia-au-semnat-contractul-de-achizitie-a-12-avioane-f-16-primele-avioane-vor-ajunge-in-tara-in-2016-11496346|title=România și Portugalia au semnat contractul de achiziţie a 12 avioane F-16. Primele avioane vor ajunge în ţară în 2016|language=ro|author=Cristian Fierbinteanu|date=11 October 2013|work=Mediafax}}</ref> Under the ''Peace Carpathian'' program, the first six fighters entered service with the Romanian Air Force in September 2016, another three have been delivered in November and the last three have entered service in 2017. Romania signed a contract in 2019 with Portugal for another 5 F-16 A/B Block 15 MLU fighters, which were delivered by March 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roaf.ro/?p=23866|title=Cinci ani de la intrarea oficială a avioanelor F-16 MLU în serviciul Forțelor Aeriene Române|language=ro|work=RoAF}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.key.aero/article/carpathian-vipers|title=Carpathian Vipers|website=key.aero|date=22 December 2016}}</ref>

Another contract, announced in December 2021, for an additional 32 F-16s was signed with Norway for €388 million. The first delivery of Norwegian F-16s took place in 2023.<ref name="Norwegian F-16">{{cite web|url=https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/first-norwegian-f-16s-to-romania|title=First Norwegian F-16s to Romania|work=Scramble (NL)|date=29 November 2023}}</ref> Under the contract, the F-16s will undergo the modification to the M6.5.2 Romanian configuration with US support before delivery. [[Kongsberg Gruppen|Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services]] provides support, maintenance and training of Romanian technical personnel.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/norge-har-inngatt-kontrakt-om-salg-av-f-16-jagerfly-til-romania/id2945901/|title=Norway signs F-16-contract with Romania|website=regjeringen.no (Norwegian Government)|date=4 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mapn.ro/cpresa/17677_procedura-de-atribuire-a-contractului-pentru-achizitia-a-32-avioane-f-16-din-norvegia-a-fost-finalizata|title=Procedura de atribuire a contractului pentru achiziția a 32 avioane F-16 din Norvegia a fost finalizată|language=ro|website=mapn.ro - Ministerul Apărării Naționale (Ministry of National Defense)|date=4 November 2022}}</ref>

On 2 February 2022, the [[President of Romania]] stated the intent to purchase the [[Fifth-generation fighter|fifth-generation]] [[F-35]] [[Joint Strike Fighter program|joint strike fighter]] as part of its Air Force modernization.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://seenews.com/news/romania-intends-to-buy-f35-fighter-jets-president-771818|title=Romania intends to buy F35 fighter jets - president|website=SeeNews |access-date=12 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205040215/https://seenews.com/news/romania-intends-to-buy-f35-fighter-jets-president-771818|archive-date=5 February 2022|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 11 April 2023, CSAT approved the [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II procurement#Romania|F-35 acquisition plan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseromania.ro/romania-a-aprobat-planul-de-achizitie-al-f-35-avioanele-de-generatia-a-v-a-subiect-principal-in-csat_622118.html|title=România a aprobat planul de achiziție al F-35. Avioanele de generația a V-a, subiect principal în CSAT|work=Defense Romania|date=11 April 2023|language=ro}}</ref> The contract was signed on 21 November 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f35.com/f35/news-and-features/Romania-Joins-F-35-Lightning-II-Program.html|title=Romania Joins the F-35 Lightning II Program|website=f35.com|date=21 November 2024}}</ref> The F-35 program is divided in two stages, first of 32 aircraft and the second of 16 aircraft for a total of 48 F-35s which will replace the F-16s between 2034 and 2040.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.digi24.ro/stiri/armata-romana-a-publicat-legea-pentru-achizitia-de-avioane-f-35-cand-vor-fi-scoase-f-16-din-dotarea-fortelor-aeriene-2909585|title=Armata Română a publicat proiectul de lege pentru achiziția de avioane F-35. Când vor fi scoase F-16 din dotarea Forțelor Aeriene|language=ro|first=Valentin|last=Stan|work=Digi24|date=28 August 2024}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Vlaicu I Oct 1910.jpg|thumb|''[[A Vlaicu I|A. Vlaicu Nr. I]]'' at military exercises, 27 September 1910]]

===Beginnings===
In 1818, during the reign of [[John Caradja]], the prince of [[Wallachia]], an unmanned hot air balloon was flown off [[Dealul Spirii]] in [[Bucharest]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://horia-salca.blogspot.com/2009/11/primul-zbor-cu-balonul-in-tarile-romane.html|title=Dr. Horia Salca|author=Horia Salca|access-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228190531/http://horia-salca.blogspot.com/2009/11/primul-zbor-cu-balonul-in-tarile-romane.html|archive-date=28 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On {{OldStyleDate|2 July|1874|20 June}}, Marius Willemot, the owner of the hydrogen balloon named {{ill|Mihai Bravul|ro|Balonul Mihai Bravul}} flew together with [[Major (rank)|Major]]s [[Iacob Lahovary]], [[Constantin Poenaru]] and Dumitrescu over [[Bucharest]]. The last flight took place on {{OldStyleDate|19|1874|7 July}}, Willemot flying together with Colonel [[Nicolae Haralambie]], [[Ion Ghica]] and a third person. The balloon had made its first flight in [[Paris]] on 27 March of the same year.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://bmim.muzeulbucurestiului.ro/fisiere/21-Bucuresti-Materiale-de-Istorie-si-Muzeografie-XXI-2007_021.pdf|title=1874: Balonul "Mihai-Bravul" şi Ascensiunile Sale|language=ro|author=Ioan Vasile Buiu|date=2007}}</ref>

The first aeronautical unit of Romania was established in 1893 under the 1st Telegraph Company in the 1st Engineer Regiment. The role of this unit was to operate the [[observation balloon]]s for aerial surveillance in support of the artillery units defending the [[fortifications of Bucharest]]. In 1913, the unit was reorganized into the "[[Aerostat]]ion Company" which became part of the Military Aeronautics Service.<ref name="aviation">{{cite journal|url=https://en-gmr.mapn.ro/webroot/fileslib/upload/files/arhiva%20reviste/RMT/2018/RMT-3_2018.pdf|title=Romanian Aviation in the First World War|journal=Romanian Military Thinking |author1=Mihail Orzeață|author2=Valeriu Avram|issue=3/2018|date=2018|pages=209–2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424182603/https://en-gmr.mapn.ro/webroot/fileslib/upload/files/arhiva%20reviste/RMT/2018/RMT-3_2018.pdf|archive-date=24 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roaf.ro/?p=5254|title=Anul 1893|language=ro|work=RoAF}}</ref>

On 20 November 1909, the [[Chitila Piloting School]] was formed as a [[joint venture]] by Mihail Cerchez. The school, conducted by French flight instructors, had five hangars, [[bleacher]]s for spectators and workshops where the [[Farman III|Farman airplanes]] were built under license. It was opened on 9 July 1910, led by the chief flight instructor and director of the school René Guillemin who was soon replaced by Michel-Paul Molla after an accident.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aviatori.ro/articole_details.php?id=13 |title=Primii pași către o industrie aeronautică în România|language=ro|author1=Dan Antoniu |author2=George Cicoș |date=27 October 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.earlyaviators.com/eguillem.htm |title=René Guillemin|website=earlyaviators.com|access-date=1 July 2024}}</ref> The first pilot licensed at Chitila was {{lang|ro|Sublocotenent}} [[Ștefan Protopopescu]] on 9 July 1911.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://foaienationala.ro/tefan-protopopescu-primul-pilot-constructor-de-avioane-din-romnia.html|title=Ștefan Protopopescu – primul pilot și constructor de avioane din România|language=ro|author=Virgiliu Tataru|work=Foaie Națională|date=20 October 2010}}</ref> The school closed in late 1912 due to financial difficulties, having trained six officers, but only licensed two.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://earlyaviators.com/enegresc.htm|title=Gheorghe Negrescu|author=Ralph S. Cooper, D.V.M.|access-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303211414/http://earlyaviators.com/enegresc.htm|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

In November 1909, the Romanian Minister of War commissioned [[Aurel Vlaicu]] to build the [[A Vlaicu I]] airplane at the [[Bucharest Army Arsenal]] which first flew on 17 June 1910. On 28 September during the fall [[military exercise]], Vlaicu flew his airplane from [[Slatina, Romania|Slatina]] to [[Piatra Olt]] carrying a message, Romania thus becoming one of the first countries to use airplanes for military purposes.<ref>{{cite book|last=Gheorghiu|first=Constantin C.|date=1960|title=Aurel Vlaicu, Un precursor al aviației romanești|edition=1st|language=ro|page=101}}</ref> Along with other Romanian pilots, Vlaicu flew reconnaissance missions during the [[Second Balkan War]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aviatiamagazin.com/headline/momente-din-istoria-aviatiei-militare-romane-ii/|title=Aviația Magazin – Blog Archive Momente din istoria aviației militare române (II) – Aviația Magazin|work=Aviația Magazin|date=13 January 2013|access-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225010137/http://www.aviatiamagazin.com/headline/momente-din-istoria-aviatiei-militare-romane-ii/|archive-date=25 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aviatiamagazin.com/headline/istoria-aviatiei-romane-iii/|title=Aviația Magazin Blog – Archive Momente din istoria aviației române (III) – Aviația Magazin|work=Aviația Magazin|date=18 January 2013|access-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225011642/http://www.aviatiamagazin.com/headline/istoria-aviatiei-romane-iii/|archive-date=25 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aviatiamagazin.com/headline/momente-din-istoria-aviatiei-militare-romane/|title=Momente din istoria aviatiei militare romane|date=5 January 2013|access-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225004404/http://www.aviatiamagazin.com/headline/momente-din-istoria-aviatiei-militare-romane/|archive-date=25 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> [[A Vlaicu III|Vlaicu III]], the first metal aircraft in the world, was completed after his death, in May 1914.<ref>Jozef Wilczynski, ''Technology in Comecon: Acceleration of Technological Progress Through Economic Planning and the Market'', p. 243</ref>

On 1 April 1913, the first law on the organization of military aeronautics was issued, thus forming the Military Aeronautics Service ({{lang|ro|Serviciul de Aeronautică Militară}}), later reorganized as the Romanian Air Corps ({{lang|ro|Corpul de Aviație Român}}) in 1915.<ref name="aviation"/> Organized as such, the Romanian aviation participated in the Second Balkan War, becoming the first air arm to perform operations over an enemy [[capital city]], with [[Airborne leaflet propaganda|leaflet drop]] missions flown over [[Sofia]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://amnr.defense.ro/webroot/fileslib/upload/files/Revista_Document/Revista_061_2013.pdf|title=Din Istoria Aripilor Românești 1910-1916|magazine=Buletinul Arhivelor Militare Române|author=Valeriu Avram|language=ro|issue=61/2013|date=2013|pages=2–17|issn=1454-0924}}</ref>

===World War I===
[[File:Romanian Nieuport 11 PD.jpg|thumb|A Romanian [[Nieuport 11]]{{efn|The blue color on the tail appears nearly white in the [[Monochrome photography|black and white photograph]]}}]]
{{Main|Romanian Air Corps}}
On the eve of Romania's [[Romania in World War I|entrance into the war]] in August 1916, only 24 out of the 44 aircraft that had been imported and assembled at ''[[Rezerva generală a aviației]]'' (RGA) were available. Another 20 aircraft were provided by the flight schools. These aircraft included [[Bristol T.B.8]]s, [[Bristol Coanda Monoplanes]], [[Blériot XI]]s, and other [[Farman Aviation Works|Farman aircraft]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Keith Hitchins|author-link=Keith Hitchins|publisher=[[Oxford University Press|Clarendon Press]]|year=1994|title=Rumania 1866–1947|page=262|oclc=940668521}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|first=Ronald L. |last=Tarnstrom |publisher=Trogen Books|year=1998|title=Balkan Battles|page=326|isbn=9780922037148}}</ref>{{sfn|Avram|Armă|2018|p=5}} One of the Vlaicu monoplanes, [[A Vlaicu II]], crashed in 1913, while the [[A Vlaicu I]] was retired in 1914, leaving [[A Vlaicu III]] as the sole Romanian-made aircraft in the [[Romanian Air Corps]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Illustrated History of Romanian Aeronautics|author=Dan Antoniu|date=2014|page=25|isbn=978-973-0-17209-6}}</ref> Also in 1916, the Anti-aircraft Defence Corps was formed and equipped with [[searchlight]]s and locally converted [[anti-aircraft gun]]s, which included the "Negrei" and "[[Ștefan Burileanu|Burileanu]]" systems.<ref name="aviation"/>

During [[World War I]], Romania acquired 322 aircraft from [[France]] and ex-[[Royal Naval Air Service|RNAS]] aircraft from [[United Kingdom|Great Britain]] including [[Nieuport 11]] and [[Nieuport 17|17]] single seat fighters and [[Morane-Saulnier LA]] and [[Nieuport 12]] two seat fighters, [[Caudron G.3]], [[Henry Farman HF.20]], [[Farman MF.11]], and [[Farman F.40|Farman F.40 & 46]] artillery observation and reconnaissance aircraft, [[Caudron G.4]], [[Breguet-Michelin BLM]] and [[Voisin LA]] bombers.{{sfn|Green|1971|pages=25-26}} On 16 September 1916, a Romanian [[Farman F.40]] downed an [[Luftstreitkräfte|Imperial German Air Service]] aircraft near [[Slobozia]]; this was the first Romanian aerial victory. By the end of World War I, Romanian pilots had flown about 11,000 hours and 750 missions; however, this was unable to prevent the December 1916 Romanian offensive at the [[Battle of the Argeș]] from being defeated, which resulted in the occupation of southern Romania, and the [[Armistice of Focșani|armistice on 6 December 1917]] following the [[October Revolution|Russian revolution]].{{sfn|Green|1971|page=26}} The Romanian Air Corps ended the war with 106–146 enemy aircraft shot down in total.{{efn|Both by aircraft and by anti-aircraft artillery}} Other victories were achieved in the [[Hungarian–Romanian War]] of 1919. According to the [[Aerial victory standards of World War I#Romania|Romanian aerial victory standards]], one pilot achieved the status of [[flying ace]], [[Second lieutenant]] [[Dumitru Bădulescu]] who scored eight victories, of which three unconfirmed.<ref name="aviation"/>{{sfn|Avram|Armă|2018|p=51}}

===Interwar===
[[File:Zaw grudziadz.jpg|thumb|[[Industria Aeronautică Română|IAR]]-produced [[Potez 25]] airplanes in 1931]]
The beginning of the [[interwar period]] saw a new organization for the Air Corps with units deployed throughout the country. The process of acquiring new aircraft to replace the old World War I ones also continued.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://analelebanatului.ro/static/media/articles/2022/01/18/3_5_deheleanu.pdf|title=Organizarea aviației române în primul deceniu interbelic|author=Adrian Deheleanu|magazine=Analele Banatului|date=2008|publisher=[[Museum of Banat|Muzeul Banatului]]|pages=301–307|language=ro}}</ref> On 1 January 1924, the Army-subordinated Air Corps was reorganized as a separate [[military branch]]. It was named {{lang|ro|Aeronautica Regală Română}} (ARR, {{Literal translation|Romanian Royal Aeronautics}}) and placed under the command of the General Inspectorate of Aeronautics.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.roaf.ro/?p=5264|title=Anul 1920|website=roaf.ro|access-date=22 December 2024}}</ref> The number of [[aviator]]s and aircraft built either under license or locally designed also continued to grow.<ref name="20 iulie">{{cite web|url=https://amnr.defense.ro/news/28|title="20 iulie" Ziua Forțelor Aeriene Române|language=ro|website=amnr.defense.ro|date=2009|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> This led to the formation of the aviation flotillas ([[Wing (military unit)|air wings]]) in 1929 from the previous [[Group (military unit)|aviation groups]].<ref>{{cite book|first1=Laurențiu|last1=Buzenchi|url=https://www.arpia-filialacluj.ro/Documents/ebooks/Aviatia_Clujeana.pdf|title=Aviația clujeană|chapter=Aeronautica militară română – Cluj|language=ro|place=[[Cluj-Napoca]]|publisher=Casa Cărții de Știință|date=2019|page=16}}</ref> By 1936, the Air Force's aircraft were largely obsolete and the mounting political and military tensions in Europe led to calls for a restructuring plan of the ARR. The drafted plan proposed equipping 36 new squadrons with modern combat aircraft within two years. Due to continued delays, delegations for acquiring new aircraft were only sent in April 1939. The aircraft inventory quickly grew in size with deliveries from Germany and the United Kingdom. Also in 1939, a large number of Polish aircraft arrived following the [[invasion of Poland]] and were brought into Romanian service.{{sfn|Bernád|1999|page=4}}{{sfn|Bernád|2003|pages=8–9}}

===World War II===
[[File:IAR-80.jpg|thumb|left|A pair of [[IAR 80]] fighters on patrol during [[World War II]]]]
{{Main|Royal Romanian Air Force}}
When Romania, allied with [[Nazi Germany]], went to war against the [[Soviet Union]] on 22 June 1941, the ARR had 621 airplanes, including its locally made [[IAR 80]] fighters.<ref name="20 iulie"/> The air force accomplished hundreds of missions, contributing to Romania's recapture of [[Bukovina|Northern Bucovina]] and [[Bessarabia]], which had been [[Soviet occupation of Bessarabia and northern Bukovina|occupied by the Soviet Union]] a year earlier. By the end of the [[Siege of Odesa]], the Romanian military fighters claimed about 600 air victories.{{sfn|Bernád|2003|page=22}} The Royal Romanian Air Force fought on the [[Eastern Front (World War II)|Eastern Front]], and in the defense of the country against [[Western Allied campaign in Romania|Allied air raids]], until 23 August 1944, bringing an important contribution to the great battles at [[Battle of Stalingrad|Stalingrad]], in [[Crimean campaign|Crimea]], and the Ukrainian fronts. Between 1941 and 1944, Romanian aircraft won 2,000 air victories.<ref name="20 iulie"/> The most famous flying aces were Captain Prince [[Constantin Cantacuzino (aviator)|Constantin Cantacuzino]], who gained 69 certified victories by the [[List of World War II flying aces from Romania#Romanian WW2 victory system|Romanian air victory standards]], Captain [[Alexandru Șerbănescu]], with 55 victories, and Captain [[Horia Agarici]] with 13 victories.

In the aftermath of [[King Michael's Coup]] of 23 August 1944, Romania turned against Germany and joined the [[Allies of World War II|Allies]]. Between 24 and 31 August the ARR fought against the [[Luftwaffe]], destroying 59 German aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://historia.ro/sectiune/general/document-aviatia-romana-si-luptele-din-24-31-570520.html|title=Aviația română și luptele din 24-31 august 1944|language=ro|author=Sorin Turturică|work=Historia|date=2018-05-07}}</ref> Continuing the campaign against the [[Axis powers|Axis]], the Royal Romanian Air Force, organized in the [[1st Air Corps (Romania)|1st Air Corps]], aided the [[Red Army|Soviet]] and [[Romanian Land Forces|Romanian]] armies until 18 May 1945. The last victory scored by a Romanian pilot, although not officially registered, happened on 4 May when a Soviet [[Yak-3]] was shot down in a clash with two Romanian [[Bf 109]]s.{{sfn|Bernád|2003|page=68}} In the 1944-1945 campaign, the Air Force destroyed 126 enemy aircraft in battle{{efn|Shot down by aircraft and by anti-aircraft artillery}} while losing 176 aircraft itself, of which 30 in combat and the rest mainly in accidents.<ref name="20 iulie"/>{{sfn|Bernád|2003|page=68}}

===Cold War===
[[File:MiG-21MF(DF-SN-83-01219).jpg|thumb|A pair of Romanian [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21]] fighters, late 1970s]]
{{also|Army of the Socialist Republic of Romania#Air Force}}
Starting in 1948, Romania tailored its military to Soviet concepts and doctrine. On 15 February 1949, the Aviation Command was established based on the Soviet model, [[Aviation regiment (Soviet Union)|regiments]] replacing the flotillas. A year later, on 1 April 1950, the military aviation was named {{lang|ro|Forțele Aeriene Militare}} ({{Literal translation|Military Air Forces}}). In the following years, new Soviet aircraft, such as [[Yakovlev Yak-18]], [[Polikarpov Po-2]], [[Lavochkin La-9]], [[Tupolev Tu-2]], and [[Ilyushin Il-10]] entered service. The first [[jet fighter]]s – [[Yakovlev Yak-17]]s and [[Yakovlev Yak-23|Yak-23]]s entered service in 1951, followed in 1952 by another 88 [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15|MiG-15]] aircraft. In 1958, the first supersonic fighter [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19|MiG-19]] entered the inventory. Three years later, in February 1962, a new fighter was added to the inventory, the [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21]], which represented one of the most effective fighters of that time.<ref>{{cite book|title=Aviația de luptă reactivă în România: 1951 - 2001|language=ro|author=Paul Sandachi|publisher=Muzeul Aviației|date=2001}}</ref><ref name="avia-ia">{{cite web|url=https://avia-ia.webnode.ro/products/r%C4%83zboiul-rece/|title=Războiul Rece|language=ro|website=avia-ia.webnode.ro|date=2014|access-date=17 November 2024}}</ref>

Starting in 1974, Romanian-made aircraft supplemented the already existing jets. The Romanian [[IAR-93]] [[attack aircraft]] flew its first flight on 31 October 1974. It represented a great step forward taking into account that it was the only jet fighter not made by the Soviets, the only one ever manufactured and operated by a [[Warsaw Pact]] country.<ref name="avia-ia"/><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ag734psQUB0C&pg=PA134|title=The Report: Romania 2008|publisher=Oxford Business Group|date=2008|page=134|isbn=9781902339856}}</ref>

In February 1956, the first helicopter squadron was established, followed by the reception of the first helicopter, a Soviet [[Mil Mi-4|Mi-4]], a few months later. In 1961, the squadron received other Mi-4s, while [[PZL SM-1]] and [[PZL SM-2|SM-2]] helicopters equipped another squadron.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://arpia-filialacluj.ro/Documents/ebooks/Elicoptere_in_Romania.pdf|title=Elicoptere în România|chapter=Elicoptere militare|publisher=Editura Ecou Transilvan|language=ro|place=Cluj-Napoca|author1=Alin Ionescu|author2=Vasile Iurașcu|year=2023|isbn=9786303110509|pages=60, 63–64}}</ref> From 1968, [[Mil Mi-8|Mi-8]] helicopters also entered service. In 1971, the first Romanian-manufactured helicopters entered service – the [[Aérospatiale Alouette III|SA 316 Alouette III]] produced under license by IAR as the [[IAR 316]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://presamil.ro/cum-inceput-romania-sa-construiasca-elicoptere/|title=Cum a început România să construiască elicoptere|language=ro|author=Trustul de Presă al MApN|work=presamil.ro|date=14 December 2020 }}</ref> Renewing the aircraft fleet process went on with the first [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23|MiG-23]]s arriving on 23 January 1979.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-opinii-20497187-cum-ajuns-avioanele-sovietice-mig-23-romania-cum-voia-ceausescu-fabrice-tancuri-pentru-pietele-externe.htm|title=Cum au ajuns avioanele sovietice MIG-23 in Romania si cum voia Ceausescu sa fabrice tancuri pentru pietele externe|language=ro|author=Petre Opriș|work=[[HotNews]]|date=12 October 2015}}</ref>

On 14 May 1981, at 20:16, the Soviet [[spacecraft|spaceship]] [[Soyuz 40]] was launched from [[Baikonur Cosmodrome|Baikonur]] to perform a common Romanian-Soviet flight, with [[Lieutenant]] [[Dumitru Prunariu]] and [[Colonel]] [[Leonid Popov]] as commander on board.<ref name="avia-ia"/> During the early 1980s, the [[Craiova Air Base|67th Fighter-Bomber Regiment]] and the [[Ianca Air Base|49th Fighter-Bomber Regiment]] from [[Craiova]] and [[Ianca]] were equipped with new IAR-93s, which replaced old MiG-15s and MiG-17s. In December 1989, just a few days before the [[Romanian Revolution of 1989|Romanian revolution]] against communism began, [[Mikoyan MiG-29|MiG-29]] aircraft entered the Air Force inventory. Initially, 45 MiG-29s were ordered but only 21 were delivered, with the rest of the order being cancelled. The MiG-29s were assigned to the 2nd and 3rd Squadrons of the [[RoAF 57th Air Base|57th Fighter Regiment]] located at the [[Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport|Mihail Kogălniceanu Airport]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.historia.ro/sectiune/general/articol/un-exponat-unicat-mig-29-sniper|title=Un exponat unicat: MiG-29 Sniper|language=ro|author=Vlad Anton|work=Historia}}</ref>

===Post-1989===
[[File:MiG-29A50RO.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Mikoyan MiG-29|MiG-29]] was withdrawn in 2003]]
In 1990, the last [[MiG-15]] fighters were retired from the 49th Aviation Regiment, located in Ianca. In 1992, production of the [[IAR-93]] was stopped following the start of the [[Yugoslav Civil Wars]]. The last IAR-93s were retired in 1998. By 1 June 1995 the Air Force dropped the communist era regimental system in favor of a system consisting of Air Bases, Groups and Squadrons.<ref name="scramble-roaf">{{cite web|url=http://www.scramble.nl/ro.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051228232910/http://www.scramble.nl/ro.htm|title=Romanian Air Force|archive-date=28 December 2005|work=Scramble (NL)}}</ref>

Due to financial constraints, being unable to purchase new fighers, the Romanian Air Force decided to invest in the upgrade of the MiG-21 fighters. Following a competition between several companies, the [[Israel|Israeli]] company [[Elbit]] was chosen, and the MiG-21M and MF/MF-75 versions were selected. The program was originally called the "DD program" as a tribute to the fighter pilot and writer [[Doru Davidovici]], who died in a MiG-21 crash in 1989. The upgrade program was later renamed to "Lancer", designated as "LanceR" with capital "R" in Romania.<ref name="scramble-roaf"/> The first flight of an upgraded MiG, a LanceR 'A' ground attack variant, took place on 22 August 1995.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aripi-argintii.ro/aparatdezbor.php?p=129|title=MiG-21 LanceR A|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026044439/http://www.aripi-argintii.ro/aparatdezbor.php?p=129|archive-date=26 October 2018|language=ro|work=Aripi Argintii}}</ref> 

The Romanian MiG-29 fleet was also intended to undergo modernization under a project named "[[MiG-29#Upgraded variants based on original airframe|Sniper]]" done by [[DaimlerChrysler Aerospace|DASA]], [[Aerostar (Romanian company)|Aerostar]] and Elbit. The first flight took place on 5 May 2000 and the prototype was presented at [[ILA Berlin Air Show|ILA 2000]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ziaruldeiasi.ro/bacau/mig-ul-29-sniper-a-ajuns-la-berlin-fara-escala~ni1bdd|title=MiG-ul 29 Sniper a ajuns la Berlin fara escala|language=ro|work=Ziarul de Iași|date=6 June 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/multinational-team-tackles-sniper-upgrade-project-/33421.article|title=Multinational team tackles Sniper upgrade project|work=FlightGlobal|date=27 July 2000|url-access=subscription}}</ref> However, the modernization project was canceled due to various reasons and the MiG-29s were retired.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseromania.ro/armata-romaniei-dupa-30-de-ani_613443.html|title=Armata României, după 30 de ani: De la MiG-29 la F-16. Ce s-a schimbat din 1989 până în prezent|language=ro|author=Tudor Curtifan|date=25 October 2021}}</ref>

Following its entry into the [[Partnership for Peace]] program in 1994, Romania started cooperating with other countries with the goal of eventually joining NATO. For this, Romanian Air Force aircraft participated in many local or abroad exercises and airshows. Before joining NATO, the 86th Group at [[Borcea]] started to convert into a NATO compatible unit by making improvements to the base's infrastructure, allowing its pilots to fly a fair amount of training hours and work according to NATO procedures.<ref name="scramble-roaf"/>

During the period of reorganization, starting from the year 2000, other aircraft models such as the [[MiG-23]] fighters, the [[Harbin H-5]] bombers and the [[IAR 823]] and [[L-39 Albatros]] trainers were retired, the latter of which was retired in 2007.<ref name="scramble-roaf"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aripi-argintii.ro/aparatdezbor.php?p=34|title=L-39ZA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711162450/http://www.aripi-argintii.ro/aparatdezbor.php?p=34|archive-date=11 July 2017|language=ro|work=Aripi Argintii}}</ref> Along with the retiring of airplanes, several bases were disbanded as well, including the [[Alexeni Airfield]], the 49th Air Base from Ianca and the [[Deveselu Military Base#History|91st Air Base]] from [[Deveselu]]. The [[RoAF 93rd Air Base|93rd Air Base]] from [[Timișoara]] was also disbanded and currently serves as an annex to the 71st Air Base.<ref name="scramble-roaf"/>

In the spring of 2009, the Romanian government decided to purchase [[Close-in weapon system|VSHORAD]]/[[SHORAD]] systems from France.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Missiles-And-Rockets-2009/Romania-reveals-VL-MICA-order.html|title=Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's – IHS|access-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426183717/http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Missiles-And-Rockets-2009/Romania-reveals-VL-MICA-order.html|archive-date=26 April 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The deal included [[Mistral (missile)|Mistral]] [[MANPADS]] and [[MICA (missile)|MICA VL]] [[surface-to-air missiles]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.roaf.ro/ro/cer_senin/arhiva/2009/cer_senin_3_2009.pdf |title=Cer Senin Magazine, nr. 3/2009, page 10 |access-date=2011-06-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812170707/http://www.roaf.ro/ro/cer_senin/arhiva/2009/cer_senin_3_2009.pdf |archive-date=2011-08-12 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, after preliminary talks with [[MBDA]] in August, the deal was put on hold and canceled afterwards because of the defense cuts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jurnalul.ro/jurnalul-national/jurnalul-national/defense-under-external-pressure-521816.html|title=Defense under external pressure|access-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225003352/http://jurnalul.ro/jurnalul-national/jurnalul-national/defense-under-external-pressure-521816.html|archive-date=25 December 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

In February 2010, CSAT signed an agreement with the United States for missile defence under whose terms land-based [[RIM-161 Standard Missile 3|SM-3]] systems would be installed in Romania. On 3 May 2011, the president of Romania [[Traian Băsescu]] announced the location for the SM-3 systems: former Air Force base Deveselu in the [[Olt County]].<ref name="gandul2012">{{cite web|url=http://www.gandul.info/news/basescu-anunta-locul-unde-vor-fi-amplasate-in-romania-rachetele-americanilor-ce-spune-primarul-din-deveselu-chemat-luni-seara-la-cotroceni-sa-si-dea-acordul-8219766|title=Băsescu anunță locul unde vor fi amplasate în România rachetele americanilor. Ce spune primarul din Deveselu, chemat luni seară la Cotroceni să-și dea acordul|work=Gandul.info|access-date=24 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728212809/http://www.gandul.info/news/basescu-anunta-locul-unde-vor-fi-amplasate-in-romania-rachetele-americanilor-ce-spune-primarul-din-deveselu-chemat-luni-seara-la-cotroceni-sa-si-dea-acordul-8219766|archive-date=28 July 2012}}</ref> The system includes 3 batteries with 24 SM-3 Block I rockets, manned by approximately 200 US soldiers (with a maximum of 500) initially under Romanian Air Force overall command.<ref name="gandul2012"/> The Deveselu [[Aegis Ashore]] site was declared operational on 13 May 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-esential-20993730-video-foto-baza-deveselu-scutul-antiracheta-din-romania-devenit-operationale-vezi-imagini-afara-din-interiorul-bazei.htm|title=Scutul american antirachetă din România a devenit operațional. Vezi imagini de afara și din interiorul bazei de la Deveselu|newspaper=[[HotNews]]|access-date=2016-10-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026233847/http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-esential-20993730-video-foto-baza-deveselu-scutul-antiracheta-din-romania-devenit-operationale-vezi-imagini-afara-din-interiorul-bazei.htm|archive-date=2016-10-26|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 23 May 2022, the MiG-21 LanceRs resumed flights after being suspended on 15 April 2022. The LanceR continued to fly for a period of one year, until 15 May 2023 when they were retired.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseromania.ro/romania-reia-zborurile-mig-21-lancer-pentru-o-perioada-de-un-an-pentru-mentinerea-antrenamentului-pilotilor-si-misiuni-de-politie-aeriana_616574.html|title=Zborurile MiG-21 LanceR, reluate pentru o perioadă de un an. Misiuni pentru menținerea antrenamentului piloților și poliție aeriană|language=ro|work=Defense Romania|date=24 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.g4media.ro/ultimele-zboruri-pentru-aeronavele-mig-21-lancer-ceremonii-in-mai-multe-baze-aeriene-din-romania.html|title=Ultimele zboruri pentru aeronavele MiG-21 LanceR/ Ceremonii în mai multe baze aeriene din România|newspaper=g4media.ro|date=15 May 2023}}</ref>

====Russian invasion of Ukraine====
{{also|Violations of non-combatant airspaces during the Russian invasion of Ukraine}}
On the starting day of the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]], two F-16s from the [[53rd Fighter Squadron "Warhawks"|53rd Fighter Squadron]] were sent to intercept a [[Sukhoi Su-27]] of the [[Ukrainian Air Force]] that was approaching Romanian airspace. The Su-27 was escorted to the [[RoAF 95th Air Base|95th Air Base]] where the pilot was taken by Romanian authorities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mapn.ro/cpresa/17283_avion-militar-ucrainean,-interceptat-%C8%99i-aterizat-la-bacau|title=Avion militar ucrainean, interceptat și aterizat la Bacău|language=ro|work=Ministerul Apărării Naționale|date=24 February 2022}}</ref> The [[Minister of Defence of Ukraine|Ukrainian Minister of Defence]], [[Oleksiy Reznikov]], quickly apologized for this event and requested the return of the airplane and its pilot. After a maintenance team from Ukraine fixed the technical issues of the fighter,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseromania.ro/ce-se-intampla-cu-su-27-ucrainean-ajuns-in-romania-ucraina-cere-ca-pilotul-si-avionul-sa-se-intoarca-in-tara-mapn-noi-detalii_615209.html|title=Ce se întâmplă cu Su-27 ucrainean ajuns în România? Ucraina cere ca pilotul și avionul să se întoarcă în țară.|language=ro|work=DefenseRomania|date=25 February 2022}}</ref> the aircraft was returned without its weapons on 1 March, being escorted by two [[MiG-21 LanceR]]s to the border where other Ukrainian airplanes took over.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theaviationist.com/2022/03/01/ukrainian-su-27-returns-to-ukraine/|title=The Ukrainian Air Force Su-27 That Landed In Romania Flown Back To Ukraine|work=The Aviationist|author=David Cenciotti|date=1 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mapn.ro/cpresa/17300_aeronava-suhoi-27-apar%C8%9Binand-for%C8%9Belor-aeriene-ucrainene-a-parasit-spatiul-aerian-al-romaniei|title=Aeronava Suhoi 27 aparținând Forțelor Aeriene Ucrainene a părăsit spaţiul aerian al României|language=ro|work=Ministerul Apărării Naționale|date=1 March 2022}}</ref>

On 2 March 2022, a MiG-21 LanceR was lost while on an air patrol inside Romanian airspace near [[Cogealac]], 60 miles from the Ukrainian border. This "occurred amid increased air police missions in Romania after the Russian invasion of Ukraine." An IAR 330 on a search and rescue mission for the missing MiG-21 crashed with seven fatalities.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chirileasa |first1=Andrei |title=Eight dead as Romanian MIG aircraft disappears in mission and helicopter sent to find it crashes|url=https://www.romania-insider.com/romanian-mig-aircraft-disappears-helicopter-crash-five-dead |access-date=11 March 2022 |work=Romania-Insider |date=2 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Date despre militarii căzuți la datorie în urma prăbușirii elicopterului IAR 330 - Puma|url=https://www.mapn.ro/cpresa/17308_date-despre-militarii-cazu%C8%9Bi-la-datorie-in-urma-prabu%C8%99irii-elicopterului-iar-330---puma|work=Ministerul Apărării Naționale|date=2 March 2022|language=ro}}</ref> The eight servicemen who died in the two accidents were posthumously promoted and decorated by the [[president of Romania]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Cei opt militari care au căzut la datorie au fost înaintați în grad, post-mortem, și au fost decorați de Președintele României|url=https://www.mapn.ro/cpresa/17311_cei-opt-militari-care-au-cazut-la-datorie-au-fost-inainta%C8%9Bi-in-grad,-post-mortem,-%C8%99i-au-fost-decora%C8%9Bi-de-pre%C8%99edintele-romaniei|work=Ministerul Apărării Naționale|date=4 March 2022|language=ro}}</ref> Shortly after, [[fake news]] claiming that the Romanian MiG was shot down by Ukrainian [[S-300 missile system]]s appeared. These claims were officially refuted.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stopfake.org/en/fake-ukrainian-air-defense-shot-down-romanian-mig-21/|title=Fake: Ukrainian Air Defense Shot Down Romanian MIG 21|work=[[StopFake]]|date=12 March 2022}}</ref> The preliminary analysis published on 23 March showed that the crashes occurred due to human and environmental factors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mapn.ro/cpresa/17357_concluziile-preliminare-privind-cauzele-prabu%C8%99irii-aeronavelor-mig-21-lancer-si-iar-330,-din-data-de-2-martie|title=Concluziile preliminare privind cauzele prăbușirii aeronavelor MiG-21 LanceR şi IAR-330, din data de 2 martie|language=ro|work=Ministerul Apărării Naționale|date=23 March 2022}}</ref>

As of 13 December 2022, Romanian Air Force and allied aircraft took part in more than 150 [[air policing]] missions since the start of Russia's invasion. The majority of the missions involved Russian aircraft approaching Romanian airspace. Other missions involved coordinating civilian aircraft which had reported bomb threats or after their communications were interrupted.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseromania.ro/rusia-testeaza-intens-avioanele-f-16-romanesti-si-pe-cele-aliate-de-la-inceputul-invaziei-din-ucraina-au-avut-loc-153-de-misiuni_620043.html|title=Rusia testează intens avioanele F-16 românești și pe cele aliate: De la începutul invaziei din Ucraina au avut loc 153 de misiuni|language=ro|work=DefenseRomania|date=13 December 2022}}</ref>

==International deployments==
[[File:MIG 21 romanesc gata de misiune.jpg|thumb|Romanian MiG-21 of the Baltica 07 Detachment ready for a night mission]]
===Baltic Air Policing===
Romania began participating in the [[Baltic Air Policing]] in August 2007 with the deployment of four MiG-21 LanceR Cs at [[Šiauliai Air Base]] in [[Lithuania]]. The Romanian detachment succeeded the [[French Air Force]] [[Mirage 2000]]Cs of {{lang|fr|Escadron de Chasse 01.012}} from [[Cambrai]]. The aircraft and most of the staff came from the [[RoAF 71st Air Base|71st Air Base]]. A total of 67 personnel, among them nine pilots, were part of the detachment: 63 served at Šiauliai, while other four served at the [[air traffic control]] centre in [[Kaunas]]. Once the RoAF finished its three-month stint, a [[Portuguese Air Force]] detachment took over the mission. The Romanian detachment attracted attention from the local media, not least from the fact that it was only the second time a [[Soviet Union|Soviet-era]] jet fighter was deployed to Šiauliai ([[Polish Air Force]] MiG-29s had been deployed there first in 2006).<ref>{{cite magazine|title=LanceRs on Alert over Baltics|magazine=[[Air Forces Monthly]]|date=November 2007|pages=36–37}}</ref>

In November 2022, it was announced that Romanian F-16s were to participate in the Baltic Air Policing missions between April and July 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseromania.ro/fortele-aeriene-romane-vor-asigura-serviciul-de-politie-aeriana-intarita-in-lituania_619707.html|title=Forțele Aeriene Române vor asigura Serviciul de Poliție Aeriană Întărită în Lituania|language=ro|work=DefenseRomania|date=25 November 2022}}</ref> The ''Carpathian Vipers'' detachment formed by four F-16s and 100 servicemen primarily from the 53rd Fighter Squadron and led by Commander Cosmin Vlad was established 14 March 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defense-aerospace.com/romania-to-deploy-f-16s-to-lithuania-for-baltic-air-policing/|title=Carpathian Vipers Receive Operational Order|website=defense-aerospace.com|date=20 March 2023 |accessdate=21 March 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseromania.ro/f-16-romanesti-la-granita-rusiei-aviatia-militara-a-romaniei-va-asigura-apararea-aeriana-a-tarilor-baltice_621472.html|title=F-16 românești, la granița Rusiei. Aviația militară a României va asigura apărarea aeriană a țărilor baltice|language=ro|work=DefenseRomania|date=25 November 2022}}</ref> The Romanian detachment was deployed together with a Portuguese detachment, taking over the Baltic Air Policing mission from the previous French and Polish detachments.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ac.nato.int/archive/2023/BAP_LTU_HOTO_Bl62|title=Portugal And Romania Begin 62nd Rotation Of Nato Baltic Air Policing|website=ac.nato.int|accessdate=2 April 2023}}</ref> The deployment ended on 31 July and was succeeded by a detachment of [[Italian Air Force|Italian]] [[Eurofighter Typhoon]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kam.lt/en/nato-baltic-air-policing-mission-rotations-change-over/|title=NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission rotations change over|website=kam.lt|date=2023-07-31}}</ref> Between April and July, the Romanian fighters intercepted over 60 [[Russian Air Force]] aircraft and participated in various multinational exercises totaling 600 fight hours.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.adelinpetrisor.ro/carpathian-vipers-misiune-indeplinita/|title=Carpathian Vipers, misiune îndeplinită|language=ro|author=Adelin Petrișor|date=31 July 2023}}</ref>

[[File:USAF Capt. Tyler “Rico” Parker, front, and RoAF Maj. Alex Sandulache operate T-38C aircraft in formation.jpg|thumb|Romanian and American instructor pilots flying T-38Cs in formation]]

===Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training===
After previously stating the intent of joining the [[Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program]] (ENJJPT) in 2015, Romania became a member of the program in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eu.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2017/04/05/romania-named-14th-enjjpt-partner/100067262/|title=Romania becomes 14th ENJJPT partner|author=Claire Kowalick|website=timesrecordnews.com|date=2017-04-05}}</ref> The first Romanian [[Flight instructor|instructor]] was sent to the [[Sheppard Air Force Base]] in 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bucurestibusiness.ro/romania-are-primul-pilot-instructor-la-enjjpt-sheppard-afb-euro-nato-joint-jet-pilot-training-sheppard-air-force-base/|title=Romania are primul pilot instructor la ENJJPT Sheppard AFB (Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Sheppard Air Force Base)!|website=bucurestibusiness.ro|date=2021-07-10|language=ro}}</ref> As of 2023, Romania had 15 pilots at the American base, of which nine instructor pilots. The Romanian instructors participate in the training of all partner nation pilots on the [[Beechcraft T-6 Texan II|T-6A Texan II]] and [[T-38C Talon]] aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.adelinpetrisor.ro/viitorii-piloti-%f0%9f%87%b7%f0%9f%87%b4-de-f16-la-pregatire-n-%f0%9f%87%ba%f0%9f%87%b8/|title=Viitorii piloți de F16, la pregătire-n SUA|author=Adelin Petrișor|date=10 November 2023|language=ro}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.adelinpetrisor.ro/instructori-romani-pregatesc-piloti-de-vanatoare-ai-nato/|title=Instructori români pregătesc piloți de vânătoare ai NATO|author=Adelin Petrișor|date=11 November 2023|language=ro}}</ref>

===2019–2020 mission to Mali===
From October 2019 to November 2020, the ''Carpathian Pumas'' detachment of the 572nd Helicopter Squadron was deployed to [[Mali]] as part of [[MINUSMA]]. The detachment consisted of four IAR 330L helicopters and 120 personnel deployed on two rotations which took part in [[MEDEVAC]], [[CASEVAC]], troop and materiel transport, air patrol, and reconnaissance missions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roaf.ro/?p=20276|title=Detașamentul de patru Elicoptere "Carpathian Pumas"|language=ro|work=RoAF}}</ref> By the end of the mission to Mali, the detachment flew over 380 missions, of which approximately 100 transport missions, 200 reconnaissance missions, and 18 medical missions during which more than 40 patients were evacuated. It operated in the [[UN]] sectors in the [[Mopti Region|Mopti]] and [[Kidal Region|Kidal]] regions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mediafax.ro/social/misiunea-militarilor-romani-din-mali-s-a-incheiat-dupa-380-de-misiuni-19755698|title=Misiunea militarilor români din Mali s-a încheiat după 380 de misiuni|language=ro|work=[[Mediafax]]|date=22 October 2020}}</ref>

One IAR 330 was damaged in August 2020. It was located at the [[Douentza]] base when the helicopter was overturned by a storm. No injuries occurred as a result of the accident.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cugetliber.ro/stiri-social-un-elicopter-al-fortelor-aeriene-romane-a-fost-avariat-in-mali-409000|title=Un elicopter al Forțelor Aeriene Române a fost avariat în Mali|language=ro|work=Cuget Liber|date=10 August 2020}}</ref>

==Structure==
{{See also|List of Romanian Air Force units}}

===Air Force General Staff===
The Romanian Air Force General Staff represents the military concept-developing, command and executive structure providing Air Forces peacetime, crisis and wartime leadership in order to reach, maintain and increase, as required, the [[Operational art|operational level]] of the military subordinated structures so that to be able to operate under authorized commands responsible for military operations planning and conduct.<ref name="general staff">{{cite web|url=http://www.roaf.ro/en/unitati/smfa_en.php|title=Romanian Air Force Staff|work=RoAF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825202735/http://www.roaf.ro/en/unitati/smfa_en.php|archive-date=25 August 2012}}</ref>

The main task is to generate, mobilize, structure, equip, operationalize and regenerate the required forces, provide the logistic support necessary to conduct [[military operation]]s and based on higher orders, take over both the Air Component Command and independent air operations command and control, through the Air Operations Centre.<ref name="general staff"/> Starting with 1 July 2010, the Romanian Air Force bases were renamed to Air Flotillas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.financiarul.ro/2010/07/02/romanias-air-force-staff-to-be-overhauled-starting-july-1-2010/|title=Romania's Air Force Staff to be overhauled starting July 1, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711225617/http://www.financiarul.ro/2010/07/02/romanias-air-force-staff-to-be-overhauled-starting-july-1-2010/|archive-date=11 July 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The names were kept until 1 December 2013, when they were changed back to Air Bases.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roaf.ro/?p=2314|title=Baza 71 Aeriană|language=ro|work=RoAF}}</ref>

=== Units ===
{{Location map+ | Romania | relief =  | float=right | width=520| places=
{{Location map~ | Romania | background = white |label=<small>{{nowrap|[[RoAF 71st Air Base|71st Air Base]]}}</small> |lat= 46.503333 |long= 23.925 |position=right|mark=Red pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Romania | background = white |label=<small>{{nowrap|[[RoAF 86th Air Base|86th Air Base]]}}</small> |lat= 44.395556 |long= 27.725556 |position=top|mark=Red pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Romania | background = white |label=<small>{{nowrap|[[RoAF 90th Airlift Base|90th Airlift Base]]}}</small> |lat= 44.561667 |long= 26.089167 |position=left|mark=Green pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Romania | background = white |label=<small>{{nowrap|[[RoAF 95th Air Base|95th Air Base]]}}</small> |lat= 46.521667 |long= 26.910278 |position=right|mark=Pink pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Romania | background = white |label=<small>{{nowrap|[[Air Force Application School "Aurel Vlaicu"|Application School]]}}</small> |lat= 45.216736 |long= 26.979366 |position=right|mark=Green pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Romania | background = white |label=<small>{{nowrap|[[RoAF 57th Air Base|57th Air Base]]}}</small> |lat= 44.362997 |long= 28.486997 |position=right|mark=Pink pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Romania | background = white |label=<small>{{nowrap|[[Bucharest]]}}</small> |lat= 44.4332 |long= 26.01 |position=bottom|mark=Steel pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Romania | background = white |label=<small>{{nowrap|[[Balotești]]}}</small> |lat= 44.62 |long= 26.14 |position=top|mark=Lightgreen pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Romania | background = white |label=<small>{{nowrap|[[Ovidiu]]}}</small> |lat= 44.27 |long= 28.56 |position=bottom|mark=Orange pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Romania | background = white |lat= 45.75 |long= 21.338056 |position=right|mark=Orange pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Romania | background = white |label=<small>{{nowrap|[[RoAF 93rd Air Base|Giarmata]]}}</small> |lat= 45.81 |long= 21.338056 |position=right|mark=Pink pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Romania | background = white |label=<small>{{nowrap|[[Suceava]]}}</small> |lat= 47.651389 |long= 26.255556 |position=right|mark=Orange pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Romania | background = white |label=<small>{{nowrap|[[Craiova]]}}</small> |lat= 44.333333 |long= 23.816667 |position=right|mark=Orange pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Romania | background = white |label=<small>{{nowrap|[[:ro:Muntele Mare|Muntele Mare]]}}</small> |lat= 46.466667 |long= 23.2 |position=left|mark=Orange pog.svg}}
|caption=Romanian Air Force radar stations <br /> [[File:Red pog.svg|8px]] Fighter base [[File:Pink pog.svg|8px]] Helicopters [[File:Green pog.svg|8px]] Other flying units <br /> [[File:Orange pog.svg|8px]] [[AN/FPS-117|AN/FPS-117(V)]] Radar station [[File:Lightgreen pog.svg|8px]] Air Component Command [[File:Steel pog.svg|8px]] Air Signals and IT Centre}}
[[File:Aeronava_C_27J_de_transport_scurt_mediu_curier_la_mitingul_aviatic.jpg|thumb|[[Alenia C-27J Spartan]] RoAF 90th Airlift Base]]
The current structure of the Romanian Air Force is as follows:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scramble.nl/planning/orbats/romania/romania-air-force|title=Romania - Air Force|work=Scramble (NL)}}</ref>

* '''[[RoAF 57th Air Base|57th Air Base]]''' ''"Căpitan Aviator Constantin Cantacuzino"''
** [[RoAF 57th Air Base|57th Air Base]], at [[Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport|Constanța – Mihail Kogălniceanu IAP]]
***572nd Helicopter Squadron, with IAR 330 L-RM (MEDEVAC)
*  '''[[RoAF 71st Air Base|71st Air Base]]''' ''"General Emanoil Ionescu"''
**[[RoAF 71st Air Base|71st Air Base]], [[Câmpia Turzii]] military airfield
***[[48th Fighter Squadron (Romania)|48th Fighter Squadron]], with [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon variants#F-16AM/BM Block 15 MLU |F-16AM/BM Block 15 MLU]]
***713th Combat Helicopter Squadron, with [[IAR 330|IAR 330 SOCAT]]
***715th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion<ref name=":0">{{Cite magazine |first=Laura |last=Măcărescu |date=2019 |title=Briză și Foc |language=ro |url=https://www.roaf.ro/ro/cer_senin/arhiva/2019/CER%20SENIN%202%20din%202019.pdf |magazine=Cer Senin |volume=2 |issue=157 |page=50}}</ref>
**[[RoAF 93rd Air Base|71st Air Base annex]], at [[Timișoara Traian Vuia International Airport|Timișoara – Giarmata IAP]]
***712th Helicopter Squadron, with [[IAR 330|IAR 330L/M (MEDEVAC)]]
* '''[[RoAF 86th Air Base|86th Air Base]]''' ''"Locotenent Aviator Gheorghe Mociorniță"''
**[[RoAF 86th Air Base|86th Air Base]], in [[Fetești]] – Borcea military airfield
***[[53rd Fighter Squadron "Warhawks"|53rd Fighter Squadron]], with [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16AM/BM Block 15 MLU]]
***864th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion<ref name=":0" />
* '''[[RoAF 90th Airlift Base|90th Airlift Base]]''' ''"Comandor Aviator Gheorghe Bănciulescu"''
**[[RoAF 90th Airlift Base|90th Airlift Base]], at [[Henri Coandă International Airport|Bucharest – Otopeni IAP]]
***901st Tactical Air Transport Squadron, with [[C-130 Hercules|C-130B/H Hercules]]
***902nd Operational Air Transport and Aerophotogrametric Squadron, with [[Alenia C-27J Spartan|C-27J Spartan]] and [[Antonov An-30|An-30]]
***903rd Transport Helicopter Squadron, with IAR 330L/M
***905th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion<ref name=":0" />
*  '''[[RoAF 95th Air Base|95th Air Base]]''' ''"Erou Căpitan Aviator Alexandru Șerbănescu"''
**[[RoAF 95th Air Base|95th Air Base]], at [[George Enescu International Airport|Bacău IAP]]
*** 951st Advanced Air Training Squadron, with [[IAR 99|IAR 99 Șoim]]
*** 952nd Combat Helicopter Squadron, with [[IAR 330|IAR 330 SOCAT]]
*** 954th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion<ref name=":0" />
[[File:Romanian Air Force IAR-99 Soim 100th anniversary of aviation colours.jpg|thumb|A [[IAR 99|IAR 99 Șoim]] in 100th anniversary of aviation colours]]
* '''70th Engineering Centre''' ''"General-maior Gheorghe Teodorescu"'', in [[Pantelimon, Ilfov|Pantelimon]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roaf.ro/?p=2370|language=ro|title=Centrul 70 Geniu|work=RoAF}}</ref>
** Air Force EOD Group<ref>{{Cite web |first=Madalina |last=Petrescu |date=November 2, 2023 |title=Moment de sărbătoare pentru Centrul 70 Geniu "General-maior Gheorghe Teodorescu" |url=https://cugetliber.ro/stiri-eveniment-moment-de-sarbatoare-pentru-centrul-70-geniu-general-maior-gheorghe-teodorescu-493044 |language=ro |access-date=November 3, 2023 |website=cugetliber.ro}}</ref>
* '''85th Air Signals and IT Centre''' ''"General Doroftei Ghermănescu"'', in Bucharest<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roaf.ro/?p=2379|title=Centrul 85 Comunicaţii Aero și Informatică|language=ro|work=RoAF}}</ref>
* '''74th Patriot Regiment''', in [[Mihai Bravu, Giurgiu|Mihai Bravu]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://presamil.ro/patriotii-din-padurea-mihai-bravu/|title=Patrioții din pădurea Mihai Bravu|website=presamil.ro|language=ro|author=Liviu Anghel|date=12 September 2019 }}</ref>
** 1st Battalion<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office |date=March 20, 2024 |title=Romanian PATRIOT battery demonstrates readiness and operational capabilities |url=https://ac.nato.int/archive/2024/romanian-patriot-battery-demonstrates-readiness-and-operational-capabilities |access-date=March 26, 2024 |website=ac.nato.int}}</ref>
* '''[[1st Surface to Air Missiles Brigade (Romania)|1st Surface-to-air Missile Brigade]]''' ''"General Nicolae Dăscălescu"'', in [[Chitila]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://presamil.ro/de-veghe-pentru-un-cer-senin/|title=De veghe pentru un cer senin|website=presamil.ro|language=ro|date=2017-12-07}}</ref>
** 111st Surface-to-air Missile Battalion ''"Voievodul Mihai"'', in [[Conțești, Dâmbovița|Boteni]]<ref>{{Cite web |first=Vlad |last=Ciobanu |date=11 October 2023 |title=Simulare incendiu! |url=https://www.facebook.com/Brigada1RacheteSolAer/posts/pfbid0NfiCXAbr6M5n8kEQhNbQY5HF6x9Q3rBw86XRyZ6nmXd1ZxWJ49JHVBmqdyzcZQHsl |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/pYP06 |archive-date=3 November 2023 |website=Facebook}}</ref>
** 112nd Surface-to-air Missile Battalion, in [[Bucșani, Giurgiu|Bucșani]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ciobanu |first=Vlad |date=13 March 2023 |title=Sfințirea apei și personalului! |url=https://www.facebook.com/Brigada1RacheteSolAer/posts/pfbid0gy89ztsSvAvy9TVYDvCwu1VHcCs8MXULsWC29hLdrxWovAoZ5dGbiKxUEatK8c1El |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/DyXzC |archive-date=3 November 2023 |website=Facebook}}</ref>
** 113th Surface-to-air Missile Battalion ''"Codrii Vlăsiei"'', in [[Ghimpați]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 August 2021 |title=Omul săptămânii: Maiorul Daniel Alin Șerb, fostul coordonator al Call Center-ului Ghimpați |url=https://jurnalgiurgiuvean.ro/omul-saptamanii-maiorul-daniel-alin-serb-fostul-coordonator-al-call-center-ului-ghimpati/ |language=ro |website=jurnalgiurgiuvean.ro}}</ref>
** 114th Surface-to-air Missile Battalion ''"Șoimii Bărăganului"'', in [[Adâncata, Ialomița|Adâncata]]<ref>{{Cite web |first=Vlad |last=Ciobanu |date=24 October 2023 |title=Predarea-primirii comenzii Batalionului 114 Rachete Sol-Aer "Șoimii Bărăganului" - Adâncata |url=https://www.facebook.com/Brigada1RacheteSolAer/posts/pfbid02e62nqbE75V3hazwMpJeLvuzN3GanousJZxcX2Rp1tCZSt5CS93UHGFfUd4GLZ1t6l |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/2ZegG |archive-date=3 November 2023 |website=Facebook}}</ref>
** 5th Surface-to-air Missile Battalion ''"Horea"'', in [[Vâlcele, Covasna|Vâlcele]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ciobanu |first=Vlad |date=April 14, 2022 |title=Viitori ofițeri rachetiști! |url=https://www.facebook.com/Brigada1RacheteSolAer/posts/pfbid0ucFYmQQX4WkrXRBzJ8AgzzAzampiHKK2J3bPhsXnEGA3tKCTiueAw6M4iBVRoXfCl |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/Y0loK |archive-date=3 November 2023 |website=Facebook}}</ref>
** 7th Hawk Battalion
** 8th Technical Battalion
*  '''76th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Brigade''' ''"Dacia"'', in [[Moara Vlăsiei]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.agerpres.ro/english/2021/01/14/romanian-aircraft-radars-join-prime-accord-exercise--643188|title=Romanian aircraft, radars join Prime Accord exercise|work=[[Agerpress]]|date=2021-01-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://romanialibera.ro/investigatii-romania-libera/incognito/romania-primeste-echipament-radar-american-de-peste-500-000-de-dolari/|title=România primește echipament radar american de peste 500.000 de dolari|language=ro|author=Mihai Diac|website=romanialibera.ro|date=9 June 2022}}</ref>
** 1st Airspace Surveillance Group ''"General Neculai Iordache"'', at [[RoAF 86th Air Base|86th Air Base]], in [[Fetești]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://presamil.ro/teorie-si-practica-pe-radare-de-supraveghere-aeriana/|title=Teorie și practică pe radare de supraveghere aeriană|language=ro|website=presamil.ro|date=2020-10-05}}</ref>
** 2nd Airspace Surveillance Group ''"General Pompiliu Ionescu"'', at [[RoAF 95th Air Base|95th Air Base]], in [[Bacău]]
** 3rd Airspace Surveillance Group ''"General Vasile Mihalache"'', at [[RoAF 71st Air Base|71st Air Base]], in [[Câmpia Turzii]]
** 4th Electronic Warfare Group ''"Locotenent-colonel Mihai Cană"'', in [[Domnești, Ilfov|Domnești]]<ref>{{Cite book |first=Ioan Gheorghe |last=Rațiu |date=25 July 2020 |title=25 Iulie 2020, Aniversarea a 65 de ani de la ȋnființarea Armei Radiolocație |url=https://ancmrr.ro/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/25-Iulie-2020-aniversarea-a-65-de-ani-de-la-infiintarea-armei-radiolocatie.pdf |place=Brașov |access-date=November 3, 2023 |publisher=ANCMRR |page=37}}</ref>
*  '''91st Logistic Base''' ''"General Aviator Andrei Popovici"'', in [[Otopeni]]
**  91st Logistic Support Group, in [[Târgșoru Nou]]<ref>{{Cite web |first=Lucian |last=Irimia |date=2023 |title=Grupul 91 Sprijin Logistic, un hub multinodal logistic |url=http://presamil.ro/grupul-91-sprijin-logistic-un-hub-multinodal-logistic/ |access-date=November 4, 2023 |website=presamil.ro}}</ref>
**  918th Armament and Ammunition Depot, in [[Mediaș]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pintea |first=Alex |date=October 30, 2018 |title=Depozitul 918 Armament și Muniții Mediaș a aniversat 40 ani de existență {{!}} VIDEO |url=https://novatv.ro/2018/10/depozitul-918-armament-si-munitii-medias-a-aniversat-40-ani-de-existenta/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |website=novatv.ro}}</ref>
**  Regional Maintenance Center, in [[Otopeni]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Guvernul României |date=February 2, 2022 |title=NOTĂ DE FUNDAMENTARE la Hotărârea Guvernului nr. 157/2022 pentru reaprobarea indicatorilor tehnico-economici ai obiectivului de investiţii „Hangar mentenanță de nivel complex pentru aeronave în cazarma 546 Otopeni” |url=https://gov.ro/ro/guvernul/procesullegislativ/note-de-fundamentare/nota-de-fundamentare-hg-nr-157-02-02-2022&page=233#null |access-date=November 25, 2023 |website=gov.ro}}</ref>
*'''210th Support Group'''  ''"General de divizie Ioan Macri"'', in [[Bucharest]]<ref>{{Cite web |publisher=Forţele Aeriene Române |date=November 2, 2023 |title=La mulți ani Grupului 210 Sprijin "General de divizie Ioan Macri" |url=https://www.facebook.com/ForteleAerieneRomane/posts/pfbid02rueGMZDYM2dGZ6QXe28j6i5kRPF4WWbhiVjCXY2xpHKWbFb8zMbXLozRs4wdMy9nl |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/gF35S |archive-date=3 November 2023 |website=Facebook}}</ref>
*'''Air Component Command''' ''"General comandant aviator Ermil Gheorghiu"'', in [[Balotești]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.roaf.ro/?p=6083|title=Comandamentul Componentei Aeriene|language=ro|work=RoAF}}</ref>
** Air Operations Centre, in [[Balotești]], reports to the [[NATO Integrated Air Defense System]] [[Torrejón Air Base|CAOC Torrejón]]<ref name="roAOC">{{Cite web|url=http://presamil.ro/provocarea-continua-apararea-spatiului-aerian/|title=Provocarea continuă: apărarea spațiului aerian!|author=Lucian Irimia|website=presamil.ro|language=ro|date=2023-01-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.roaf.ro/?p=3868|title=Centrul de Operații Aeriene|language=ro|work=RoAF}}</ref>
*** Radar Station, in [[Ovidiu]], with [[AN/FPS-117|AN/FPS-117(V)]]<ref name="radar" />
*** Radar Station, at [[RoAF 93rd Air Base|Giarmata]] with AN/FPS-117(V)<ref name="radar" />
*** Radar Station, in [[Suceava]], with AN/FPS-117(V)<ref name="radar" />
*** Radar Station, in [[Craiova]] ([[Cârcea]]), with AN/FPS-117(V)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://presamil.ro/este-sau-nu-pericol-radarul-de-la-carcea/|title=Este sau nu în pericol radarul de la Cârcea?|language=ro|author=Liviu Anghel|website=presamil.ro|date=2022-09-28}}</ref>
*** Radar Station, on {{ill|Muntele Mare|ro|}}, with AN/FPS-117(V)
*  '''Air Force Academy''' ''"Henri Coandă"'', in Brașov
*'''Air Force Personnel Training and Formation Air Base'''
** [[Air Force Application School "Aurel Vlaicu"|Air Force Application School ''"Aurel Vlaicu"'']], [[Cochirleanca|Boboc]] military airfield
***1st Air Training Squadron AI-A Phase, with [[Yakovlev Yak-52|IAK-52]] and [[IAR 316|IAR 316B]]
***2nd Air Training Squadron AII-A Phase, with [[IAR 99|IAR 99 Standard]]
**Air Force NCO and Specialists School ''"Traian Vuia"'', [[Cochirleanca|Boboc]] military airfield
*'''[[Detașamentul de Căutare-Salvare prin Luptă|Combat Search and Rescue Detachment]]''' (DCSL)<ref>{{Cite web |first=Florentina |last=Bozîntan |date=30 May 2023 |title=Militarii de la Baza 57 Aeriană Mihail Kogălniceanu s-au întors de la exercițiul multinațional Astral Knight 23 |url=https://cugetliber.ro/stiri-eveniment-militarii-de-la-baza-57-aeriana-mihail-kogalniceanu-s-au-intors-de-la-exercitiul-multinational-astral-knight-23-482346 |access-date=November 3, 2023 |website=cugetliber.ro}}</ref>
* '''Military College''' "[[Michael the Brave|Mihai Viteazul]]", in [[Alba Iulia]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Organizare {{!}} Fortele Aeriene Romane |url=https://www.roaf.ro/?page_id=132 |access-date=2023-11-23 |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[National Museum of Romanian Aviation]]

=== Reserve air bases ===
* [[RoAF 93rd Air Base|93rd Air Base]], at [[Traian Vuia International Airport|Giarmata Airport]]

=== Capu Midia Training Range ===
{{Main|Capu Midia Training Range}}
The ''Capu Midia'' [[Surface-to-air missile|Surface-to-air]] Training and Air-to-Surface [[Shooting Range]], officially named the Air Defense Training School ''"Brigadier General Ion Bungescu"'', provides firing training, execution and evaluation facilities. It is located in [[Constanța County]], {{convert|20|km|mi}} north of the city of, [[Constanța]].

==Equipment==
===Aircraft===
{{Further|List of aircraft of the Romanian Air Force|List of equipment of the Romanian Armed Forces#Air Force}}
[[File:Romanian F-16 Fighting Falcon lands at Borcea Air Base, Romania.jpg|thumb|An F-16AM lands at [[RoAF 86th Air Base|Borcea Air Base]]]] 
[[File:!IAR-330 Puma SOCAT antitank gunship 2 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Romanian Air Force IAR 330 SOCAT]] 
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|Aircraft
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Origin
! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;"|Type
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Variant
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|In service
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Notes
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Military aircraft#Combat aircraft|Combat aircraft]]
|-
| [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]]
| [[United States]]
| [[Multirole combat aircraft|Multirole]]
| [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon variants#F-16AM/BM Block 15 MLU|F-16AM/BM]]
| 35/67<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2025/05/21/weekoverzicht-defensieoperaties|title=Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties|language=nl|website=defensie.nl|date=21 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.roaf.ro/?p=31404|title=Escadrila 48 Vânătoare, în formație completă|language=ro|work=RoAF|date=30 January 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://hotnews.ro/inca-doua-avioane-f-16-pentru-romania-incepe-formarea-a-celei-de-a-treia-escadrile-de-lupta-a-fortelor-aeriene-cate-avioane-f-16-are-romania-acum-1983838|title=Încă două avioane F-16 pentru România. Începe formarea a celei de-a treia escadrile de luptă a Forțelor Aeriene / Câte avioane F-16 are România acum|author=Victor Cozmei|language=ro|work=[[HotNews]]|date=22 May 2025}}</ref>
| 14 surplus [[Royal Norwegian Air Force|Norwegian]] units on order<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mapn.ro/cpresa/17677_procedura-de-atribuire-a-contractului-pentru-achizitia-a-32-avioane-f-16-din-norvegia-a-fost-finalizata|title=Procedura de atribuire a contractului pentru achiziția a 32 avioane F-16 din Norvegia a fost finalizată|language=ro|website=mapn.ro - Ministerul Apărării Naţionale (Ministry of National Defense)|date=4 November 2022}}</ref>
6 used for [[Trainer aircraft#Operational conversion| conversion training]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/><ref name="Norwegian F-16"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.libertatea.ro/stiri/alte-trei-avioane-f-16-cumparate-din-norvegia-au-ajuns-in-romania-mapn-ele-fac-tranzitia-spre-f35-4940308|title=Alte trei avioane F-16 cumpărate din Norvegia au ajuns în România. Cât au costat avioanele care fac tranziția spre F35|language=ro|author=Cristian Otopeanu|work=Libertatea|date=28 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|[[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35 Lightning II]]
|[[United States]]
|[[Multirole combat aircraft|Multirole]]
|[[F-35A]]
|0
|32 on order.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hotnews.ro/oficial-romania-a-semnat-contractul-cu-sua-pentru-32-de-avioane-de-vanatoare-f-35-1840422|title=OFICIAL România a semnat contractul cu SUA pentru 32 de avioane de vânătoare F-35|author=Victor Cozmei|language=ro|work=[[HotNews]]|date=21 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Reconnaissance aircraft|Reconnaissance]]
|-
| [[Antonov An-30]]
| [[Soviet Union]]
| [[Surveillance aircraft|Surveillance]]
| 
| 2<ref name="World Air Forces 2025">{{cite news |last =Hoyle |first =Craig |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=106507|title = World Air Forces 2025|publisher= [[FlightGlobal]] |year=2024  |doi = |access-date= 21 December 2024}}</ref>
|
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Military transport aircraft|Transport]]
|-
| [[Antonov An-26]]
| Soviet Union
| [[Military transport aircraft|Transport]] 
| 
| 1<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
| 
|-
| [[Alenia C-27J Spartan| C-27J Spartan]]
| [[Italy]]
| Transport
|
| 7<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|
|-
|[[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|C-130 Hercules]]
|United States
|[[Airlift#Tactical airlift|Tactical airlifter]]
|[[Lockheed C-130 Hercules#Variants|C-130B/H]]
|8<ref name="mapn-C130">{{cite web |date=29 September 2023 |title=Intrarea în serviciul Forțelor Aeriene Române a unei aeronave C-130H2 Hercules |url=https://www.mapn.ro/cpresa/18133_intrarea-in-serviciul-fortelor-aeriene-romane-a-unei-aeronave-c-130h2-hercules |access-date=December 14, 2021 |publisher=mapn.ro |language=ro}}</ref>
| 4 are C-130B, 4 are C-130H<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Helicopter]]s
|-
| [[IAR 330]]
| [[Romania]]
| [[Utility helicopter|Utility]] / Transport
|
| 57<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
| 22 [[IAR 330#SOCAT version|SOCAT]] used in a [[Gunship#Helicopter gunships|gunship]] role
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Trainer aircraft]]
|-
| [[IAR 99]]
| Romania
| [[Jet trainer]]
|
| 21<ref name="IAR 99 SM">{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseromania.ro/esecul-iar-99-in-cifre-cum-explica-oficialii-ca-avioane-craiova-nu-a-modernizat-niciun-avion-din-cele-10-desi-a-primit-o-parte-din-bani_624122.html|title=Eșecul IAR-99 în cifre. Cum explică oficialii că Avioane Craiova nu a modernizat niciun avion din cele 10 deși a primit o parte din bani|language=ro|work=DefenseRomania|date=18 August 2023}}</ref>
| 
|-
| [[IAR 316]]
| Romania
| [[Military helicopter#Training|Trainer]] / Utility
| 
| 7<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
| Licensed built [[Aérospatiale Alouette III|SA316B]]
|-
| [[Yakovlev Yak-52]]
| Romania 
| [[Trainer aircraft|Trainer]]
| 
| 14<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
| 
|}

Note: Three [[C-17 Globemaster III]] and five [[Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk#NATO|RQ-4D]] are available through the [[Strategic Airlift Capability]], and [[Alliance Ground Surveillance]] programs<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sacprogram.org/en/Pages/Heavy-Airlift-Wing.aspx|title=Heavy Airlift Wing|publisher=[[Strategic Airlift Capability]] Program|access-date=17 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/topics_48892.htm|title=Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS)|work=NATO|date=23 February 2021}}</ref>

=== Air defense ===
The Romanian Air Force also has several anti-aircraft systems:<ref name="news">{{cite news|url=https://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-defense-23117440-armele-romaniei-care-sunt-rachetele-sistemele-artilerie-din-arsenalul-militarilor-romani.htm|title=Care sunt rachetele și sistemele de artilerie din arsenalul militarilor români|language=ro|author=Victor Cozmei|work=[[HotNews]]|date=2 May 2019}}</ref>
[[File:Patriot missile battery Romania 2.jpg|thumb|The first Romanian MIM-104 Patriot battery, 29 October 2020]]
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|Name
! style="text-align: center; background:#aabccc;"|Origin
! style="text-align:l center; background:#aabccc;"|Type
! style="text-align:l center; background:#aabccc;"|In service
! style="text-align: center; background:#aabccc;"|Notes
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Surface-to-air missile|SAM]]
|-
| [[MIM-104 Patriot]]
| United States
| SAM system
| 3 batteries<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.adelinpetrisor.ro/un-nou-sistem-patriot-gata-de-lupta/|title=Un nou sistem Patriot gata de luptă|language=ro|author=Adelin Petrișor|website=adelinpetrisor.ro|date=26 June 2025}}</ref>
|
|-
| [[MIM-23 Hawk]]
| United States
| SAM system
| 8 batteries<ref name="news"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Tudor |first1=Radu |title=Romania to get Dutch HAWK missiles |work=IHS Jane's Defence Weekly |date=9 March 2005}}</ref>
| 
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Anti-aircraft warfare|Air Defence Artillery]]
|-
| [[AZP S-60|S-60 57mm]]
| Soviet Union
| Mobile [[Anti-aircraft warfare|anti-aircraft]]
| 
| Towed gun<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roaf.ro/?page_id=2539#|title=Tunul antiaerian S-60|language=ro|work=RoAF}}</ref>
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Radars]]
|-
| [[P-14 radar|P-14]]
| Soviet Union
| Radar
|
| 2D [[Very high frequency|VHF]] radar<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roaf.ro/?page_id=2992|title=Radarul O/P-14|language=ro|work=RoAF}}</ref>
|-
| [[P-18 radar|P-18]]
| Soviet Union
| Radar
|
| 2-dimensional air search radar<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roaf.ro/?page_id=2980|title=Radarul P-18|language=ro|work=RoAF}}</ref>
|-
| {{ill|P-37 (radar)|ro|}}
| Soviet Union
| Radar
|
| E band/F band 2D radar<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roaf.ro/?page_id=2964|title=Radarul P-37|language=ro|work=RoAF}}</ref>
|-
| {{ill|PRV-13|ro|PRV-13}}
| Soviet Union
| Radar
|
| [[Radar altimeter]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roaf.ro/?page_id=3004|title=Radiometrul PRV-13|language=ro|work=RoAF}}</ref>
|-
| AN/TPS-79(R) 
| United States
| [[3D radar]]
| 19<ref>{{cite web|url=https://monitorulapararii.ro/planurile-de-inzestrare-ale-armatei-romaniei-mapn-vrea-sa-cumpere-doua-nave-de-patrulare-maritima-pentru-suma-de-300-de-milioane-de-euro-1-55089|title=Planurile de înzestrare ale Armatei României. MApN vrea să cumpere două nave de patrulare maritimă, pentru suma de 300 de milioane de euro|language=ro|website=monitorulapararii.ro|date=16 July 2024}}</ref>
| Medium range 3D radar- co-produced in Romania<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uti.eu.com/noutati/romania-orders-antps-79s-fill-radar-gap-un-articol-aparut-janes-defence-weekly-18-martie-2008/|title="Romania orders more AN/TPS-79s to fill radar gap", un articol apărut în Jane's Defence Weekly, 18 martie 2008|author=Radu Tudor|work=UTI|date=19 March 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715204136/https://www.uti.eu.com/noutati/romania-orders-antps-79s-fill-radar-gap-un-articol-aparut-janes-defence-weekly-18-martie-2008/|archive-date=15 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.radartutorial.eu/19.kartei/02.surv/karte014.en.html|title=AN/TPS-79 (MMSR)|author=Christian Wolff|work=Radartutorial}}</ref>
|-
| [[AN/FPS-117]]
| United States
| 3D radar
| (5) FPS-117 / (7) TPS-77<ref>{{Bulleted list|{{cite web|url=http://www.resboiu.ro/lockheed-martin-va-livra-romaniei-doua-radare-tps-77/|title=Lockheed Martin va livra Romaniei doua radare TPS-77|language=ro|author=Marius Constantin|date=24 February 2016}}|{{cite web|url=http://www.resboiu.ro/mapn-achizitioneaza-2-radare-tps-77-si-lansatoare-portabile-de-rachete-antitanc-spike/|title=MApN achizitioneaza 2 radare TPS-77 si lansatoare portabile de rachete antitanc Spike|language=ro|author=David Victor|date=8 February 2018}}|{{cite web|url=https://www.defencetalk.com/upgrades-for-the-romanian-anfps-117-long-range-radars-10570/|title=Upgrades for the Romanian AN/FPS-117 long-range Radars|work=DefenceTalk|date=15 February 2007}}|{{cite web|url=https://e-licitatie.ro/pub/notices/ca-notices/view-c/100083187|title=Radar tridimensional cu distanță mare de descoperire, mobil-TPS-77|language=ro|website=e-licitatie.ro|date=9 August 2019}}|{{cite web|url=https://e-licitatie.ro/pub/notices/ca-notices/view-c/100113640|title=Radar tridimensional cu distanta mare de descoperire, mobil, TPS-77|language=ro|website=e-licitatie.ro|date=21 January 2020}}}}</ref>
| Long-range 3D radar
|}

Note: Additionally, five [[NEXRAD|WSR-98D]] radars owned by the [[Administrația Națională de Meteorologie|National Meteorological Administration]] are used for both civilian and military purposes<ref name="radar">{{cite web|url=https://www.ziaruldeiasi.ro/iasi/nato-a-132-plantatquot-un-ochi-la-birnova~ni2lmt|title=NATO a "plantat" un ochi la Birnova|language=ro|author=Catalin Prisacariu|website=ziaruldeiasi.ro|date=9 July 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.meteoromania.ro/despre-noi/meteorologie-operationala/activitati-de-baza/radar/reteaua-nationala-radar/|title=Rețeaua Națională Radar|language=ro|website=meteoromania.ro}}</ref>

==Aircraft markings==
The Romanian [[roundel]] uses the colours of the [[Romanian flag]]. It is used on [[Romanian Armed Forces]] vehicles and Romanian Air Force aircraft.
<gallery>
Image:Roundel of Romania.svg|Roundel used for aircraft and vehicles from 1912 to 1941, 1944 to 1950 and since 1984
Image:Roundel of Romania WW1.svg|Roundel used during WWI. French markings were overpainted with yellow to match the Romanian national colors.
Image:Roundel of Romania 1916.svg|Roundel seen in 1916, appearing on some aircraft.
Image:Roundel of the Romanian Air Force (1941–1944).svg|Marking used by [[Forţele Aeriene Regale ale României|Romanian Royal Air Force]], and Romanian Royal Army from 1 May 1941 to 3 September 1944
Image:Roundel of Romania (1947–1985).svg|Romanian Roundel used from 1949<ref>{{cite book|url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Romanian_Aeronautical_Constructions_1905-1974.pdf|title=Romanian Aeronautical Constructions 1905-1974|year=1974|author-first1=Ion|author-last1=Gudju|author-first2=Gheroghe|author-last2=Iacobescu|author-first3=Ovidiu|author-last3=Ionescu|page=360}}</ref> to 1984
</gallery>

==Ranks and insignia==
{{Main|Romanian Armed Forces ranks and insignia}}
;Officers
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Armed Forces/OF/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/OF/Romania}}
|}

;Enlisted/Non-commissioned officers
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/OR/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/OR/Romania}}
|}

;Aviator badges
{{Main|Aviator badge#Romania}}
The first aviator badges of Romania were issued in 1912. The current pilot badges were introduced in 1996 and use the same style as the World War I and World War II badges.
<gallery>
File:Romanian military aviator badge 1912.png|Model 1912 badge
File:Romanian WW1 Pilot badge.png|Model 1915 pilot badge
File:Air Force Marshal Badge - King Michael I of Romania.jpg|Model 1941 pilot badge
File:Romanian Air Force pilot badge.svg|Current pilot badge
</gallery>

==See also==
*[[Aviation in Romania]]
*[[Monument to the Heroes of the Air]]
*[[General Inspectorate of Aviation (Romania)|General Inspectorate of Aviation]], air component of the [[Ministry of Internal Affairs (Romania)|Ministry of Internal Affairs]]
*[[Romanian Naval Aviation]], air component of the [[Romanian Naval Forces]]
*[[Romavia]], former airline of the [[Ministry of National Defence (Romania)|Ministry of National Defense]]

==References==

===Notes===
{{Notelist}}

===Footnotes===
{{Reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===
*{{cite book|title=Aeronautica română în Războiul de Întregire națională 1916-1919|author-first1=Valeriu |author-last1=Avram |author-first2=Alexandru |author-last2=Armă|language=ro|publisher=Editura Vremea|date=2018 |isbn=978-973-645-853-8}}
*{{cite book|last1=Bernád|first1=Dénes|title=Rumanian Aces of World War 2 (Aircraft of the Aces 54)|publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]]|location=Botley, Oxford, UK|year=2003|isbn=978-1841765358}}
*{{cite book|last1=Bernád|first1=Dénes|title=Rumanian Air Force: The Prime Decade, 1938–1947
|publisher=Squadron/Signal Publications Inc.|location=Carrollton, TX|year=1999|isbn=0897474023}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Craciunoiu|first1=Cristian|title=Deux des Savoia... |journal=Avions: Toute l'Aéronautique et son histoire |date=February 2002 |issue=107 |pages=7–16|trans-title=Two of Savoia... |language=fr |issn=1243-8650}}
*{{cite book|last1=Crăciunoiu|first1=Cristian |last2=Roba|first2=Jean-Louis|title=Romanian Aeronautics in the Second World War, 1941–1945|publisher=Editura Modelism International|location=București, Romania|year=2003|isbn=973-8101182}} (bilingual Romanian/English)
*{{cite journal|last=Green| first=William |title=Oil Well Top Cover – Sixty Years of Rumanian Military Aviation|journal=Air Enthusiast|date=June 1971|volume=1|issue=1|pages=25–26|isbn=9780385081719}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Air force of Romania}}
*[https://www.roaf.ro/ Official site of the Romanian Air Force]
*[http://english.mapn.ro/ Official site of the Romanian Ministry of National Defense (MoND)]
*[https://www.scramble.nl/planning/orbats/romania/romania-air-force Order of Battle of the RoAF]

{{Romanian military}}
{{Romanian Air Force}}
{{Romanian Air Force units and formations}}
{{Air forces in Europe}}
{{Air forces}}
{{Allied Air Command}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Romanian Air Force| ]]