Romania's main military coordinating body has backed a plan to acquire 24 second-hand F-16 fighters -- manufactured by Lockheed Martin -- in order to modernize its air force.
The Supreme Defense Council said in a statement that Romania does not have the financial resources to buy new planes.
The plan is contingent on parliamentary approval.
The economic crisis has complicated Romania's effort to seal a planned multibillion-dollar deal aimed at replacing its aging Soviet-era MiG fighters.
Five aircraft are being considered as part of a purchase estimated at nearly $ 6 billion, including in addition to the F-16s: Boeing F-18s, Dassault Rafales, Gripens from Sweden's SAAB, and EADS Eurofighters.
compiled from Reuters reports