Bucharest Celebrates Aviation Day

Matey Todorov, BTA correspondent Martina Gancheva

BTA photo

Bucharest,

20.07.2023 14:29

(BTA)

Fighter and transport aircraft flew over Bucharest on the occasion of the Romanian Aviation and Air Force Day (July 20). Despite the scorching sun and high temperatures, curious residents and visitors of all ages came out to catch a glimpse of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, Eurofighter Typhoon, C-130 Hercules, C-27J Spartan in the sky, IAR-330 helicopter of the Romanian Intelligence Service, EC-135 helicopters of the Ministry of the Interior, Boeing 737, Eurofighter Typhoon of the Italian Air Force, as well as Extra 300 aircraft of the Aero Club of Romania.

"After a long period of peace, Europe is unfortunately once again experiencing the harsh reality of war. Not far from our borders, neighbouring Ukraine is suffering from a brutal offensive war launched illegally and unjustifiably by the Russian Federation. Romania is part of the most powerful military-political alliance in the world and this status gives us the most important security guarantees in our entire history. But the dramatic experience of Ukraine also shows us that defence begins at home," Romanian Defence Minister Angel Tilvar said in his address on the occasion.

The Carpathian Vipers, a detachment consisting of four F-16 multi-role fighter jets and support personnel, is currently deployed at Siauliai Air Base in Lithuania and is providing the Enhanced Air Policing mission in the Baltic States from April to July 2023. Its purpose is to protect the integrity of the airspace of the Baltic States.

/RY/