Romanian Aviation and Air Force Day Ceremony in Bucharest

The Day of Romanian Aviation and Air Force is celebrated on July 20 with a ceremony that features 20 different types of aircraft performances.

During the ceremony, F-16 Fighting Falcon, C-130 Hercules, C-27J Spartan, Antonov AN-30, IAR-330, IAR-99 military aircraft belonging to the Romanian Air Force, two Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft belonging to the Forces will evolve Royal Aircraft of Great Britain, two Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft of the Italian Air Force, two EC-135 helicopters belonging to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, two IAR-330 Puma helicopters of the Romanian Intelligence Service, a Boeing 737 aircraft belonging to Tarom, as well as four Extra 300 aircraft belonging to the Romanian Aeroclub.

In a context where the war is at the borders of Romania and the regional security is in danger, this day has a heavy load for the Romanian Army and the Romanians.

On this occasion, the Romanian Minister of National Defense, Vasile Dincu, sent an emotional message to Romanian Aviation, in which he conveyed the gratitude of the whole country and remembered the heroes of the Romanian Air Force.

Dear pilots, navigating personnel, artillerymen, radio locators, civilian and auxiliary personnel from the Romanian Air Force, you are today, on the front line at the borders of the Country, vigilant, attentive at every moment, ready for a reaction as precise and fast as possible, in accordance with the provisions of the treaties to which Romania is a party. I know that this ability is tested periodically, and, together with the allied air forces supporting us, you successfully managed to protect the Romanian airspace. You will continue to do so with the same high sense of duty. I want to thank you for making Romania’s sky a peaceful and safe space, especially in the current security context, and to convey that both the Country and the North Atlantic Alliance are counting on you!

Vasile Dincu, Romanian Minister of National Defense

According to military custom in Romania, each army unit selects a spiritual guardian. Saint Elijah was chosen to serve as their protector by the Romanian airmen.

The day of Saint Elijah was declared an official holiday of the Romanian Aviation on July 20, 1930, following Charles II’s ascension to the throne of Romania.