Posted on 06/12/2010 8:37:56 PM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Crisis-hit Romania cannot afford to purchase second-hand F-16 combat aircraft this year, Finance Minister Sebastian Vladescu said.
- There is no money for the F-16s, I can't see where we could get one percent of GDP (gross domestic product) in order to buy military equipment - Vladescu told Money Channel TV station.
- Such an expense is downright impossible at this moment - he added.
Romania had announced in March its decision to purchase 24 F-16 aircraft currently used by the US air forces, at a cost of 1.3 billion dollars (1.1 billion dollars), in order to replace its ageing, Soviet-made MiG Lancer jets.
The announcement triggered criticism from European groups Eurofighter and Saab, which stressed authorities should have issued a call for tenders.
Several opposition members also said buying fighter jets was not a priority for this country facing severe recession.
The Romanian government has adopted a draconian austerity plan including 25-percent cut in public sector wages and 15-percent reduction in pensions in order to curb its public deficit.
(Excerpt) Read more at dalje.com ...
F-16 Ping.
Ping
obamma could just give them some stimulus money. After all they create jobs, union jobs! /s
Just one more country vulnerable to attack. Hmmm.. Maybe China is wealthy enough to attack EVERYONE.
I think the country home of Dracula should be ok.
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