Current Title:	Fortele Navale Romāne
Title in English:	Romanian Navy
Abbreviation:	FNR

Narrative Summary:
The original Naval Aviation force was disbanded in 1960. However, the expansion of the naval fleet in the 1980s, and the development of state-owned off-shore oil rigs in the Black Sea led to demands for better helicopter support. In response, the Air Force introduced specially modified IAR 330L Puma, (and later IAR 316B Alouette III), helicopters for this task. Unfortunately, reduced budgets after the end of the Cold War and the retirement of the Alouettes resulted in this role being given a low priority and by 2001 the Air Force had largely abandoned naval operations.

In 2005 the Romanian Navy ordered three specially configured Puma helicopters, with a view to rebuilding it's aviation capability. In July 2007 the Romanian Naval Air Arm was formally established.

Key Dates:
13 July 2007		Naval aviation resumed using Puma NAVAL helicopters.

Current Status:
Romanian naval helicopters are used primarily for shipboard support, surveillance and Search & Rescue (SAR) missions.

Future Plans:
Additional helicopters may be required.

National Insignia:

          Main markingFin Flash
The main marking is carried on the fuselage sides of the helicopters. A fin flash is not carried. The service titles RO NAVY are displayed on the tail boom.

Aircraft Serial Numbering System(s):
Romanian naval helicopters serials comprise a three-digit number for each airframe, e.g. Puma NAVAL 140.

Unit/Base Aircraft Code System(s):
Coding system not used

Aircraft Designation System(s):
None - Manufacturers designations used

Current Aircraft Inventory:

Aircraft Type	Total Del'd	Total Now	Role	Origin
IAR 330 Puma NAVAL	3	3	Transport/Patrol/SAR	local

* on order.

All-Time Aircraft Used List:

Aircraft Type	Quantity	Service Entry	Retirement	Origin
IAR 330 Puma NAVAL	3	2007	current	local

* on order.

Aircraft NOT Used:
False reports of aircraft on order or in service - the Mil Mi-14PL is NOT used. All other types reported since 1960 as being operated by the Navy were actually Air Force aircraft.

Main Headquarters:
Not known.

Current Organisational Structure:
The Romanian Naval Air Arm currently comprises one Helicopter Flight.

Current Order of Battle:

Squadron	Type	Base
Helicopter Flight	Constanta	IAR 330 Puma NAVAL

Historical Orders of Battle:
Not applicable.

All-Time Flying Units List:
Not applicable.

Current Air Bases:
All helicopters are operated from Constanta.

All-Time Air Bases Used List:
Not applicable.

Books:

None known.

Magazines:

To be added.

Websites:

Official Romanian Navy Website

wikipedia: Romanian Naval Forces

airliners.net

Scramble: Romanian Naval Aviation