53rd Fighter Squadron "Warhawks"
| 53rd Fighter Squadron | |
|---|---|
| Escadrila 53 Vânătoare | |
F-16 of Escadrila 53 Vânătoare conducting an alpha scramble as part of the Baltic Air Policing at Šiauliai | |
| Active | 1 June 1940 – 15 December 1944 29 September 2016 – present |
| Country | Romania |
| Branch | Royal Romanian Air Force Romanian Air Force |
| Type | Squadron |
| Role | Fighter |
| Size | 17 F-16AM/BM (current) |
| Garrison/HQ | RoAF 86th Air Base (Baza 86 Aeriană), Borcea, Călărași County |
| Nickname(s) | Warhawks |
| Motto(s) | We prey, they pray |
| Equipment | World War II:
Present: |
| Engagements | Second World War |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Comandor Mihăiță "Mitză" Marin |
| Insignia | |
| 53rd Fighter Squadron badge | |
The 53rd Fighter Squadron "Warhawks" (Romanian: Escadrila 53 Vânătoare "Warhawks") is a squadron of the Romanian Air Force, first formed on 1 June 1940, then reactivated on 29 September 2016. The squadron currently operates the F-16AM/BM fighter aircraft.