The first European F-16 training center (EFTC) opened today in Romania. The training location is intended to train Romanian and Ukrainian pilots to become F-16 pilots. Minister Kajsa Ollongren and her Romanian counterpart Angel Tîlvăr took care of the opening. According to Ollongren, the training center symbolizes the way in which European countries join forces. In doing so they make Europe’s defense stronger.
Enlarge image
The Romanian Air Force recently acquired its own F-16s. As a NATO ally, the country wants to use the aircraft to monitor the alliance’s eastern airspace. An F-16 training location in our own country, which Romanian pilots also use, is an important milestone. Minister Ollongren: “Romania will therefore be able to make a crucial contribution to the protection of the European eastern flank. The future of the training center is in capable hands.” The opening took place in the presence of both the American and Ukrainian ambassadors to Romania. Manufacturer Lockheed Martin was also represented.
Ukrainians will also be trained as F-16 pilots in the Romanian training center. According to Ollongren, training these pilots and the delivery of F-16 aircraft is an important step in the defense of Ukraine against Russian aggression. The minister visited the war-torn country less than 2 weeks ago Kharkiv and Kyiv in Ukraine. There she saw with her own eyes that Ukraine is still as determined to win the battle as it was on the first day of the Russian invasion.
Enlarge image
Fighter aircraft
The Netherlands took the initiative to set up the EFTC and is making 12 to 18 F-16s available for this purpose. The fighter aircraft remain the property of the Netherlands. The first 5 are now in Romania.