Romania, Netherlands to set up F-16 training center for Ukrainian technicians

The Dutch Ministry of Defense announced the plan.

On May 7, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding to create the joint center during Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans’ visit to his Romanian counterpart, Angel Tîlvăr.

The training center will be located at Fetesti Air Base, home to the European F-16 Training Center (EFTC).

The EFTC trains both Romanian and Ukrainian pilots. As the defense ministry recalled, late last year it was also announced that 18 Dutch F-16s currently stationed at the EFTC would officially be transferred to Romania.

“Ukrainians are making full use of the F-16 for air defense. We see every day how essential this is. We don’t just need pilots — we also need well-trained support personnel. Together with Romania, we’re taking the next important step in that direction,” Brekelmans said.

• On May 2, the U.S. State Department approved a potential sale to Ukraine of training, maintenance services, and equipment for F-16 fighter jets worth about $310.5 million under the Foreign Military Sales program.