F-16 Training Center in Romania qualifies first pilots
Photo: A training center in Romania had its first F-16 pilots (Getty Images)
The European F-16 Training Center in Romania has trained its first group of pilots. These are pilots from Romania, according to the Dutch Ministry of Defense.
Romanian pilots have already received their licenses. During the training, they went through various scenarios, including flying missions at night and training with pilots from NATO member states.
The next group of Romanian pilots has already started training. Later, the European Training Center will start training Ukrainian pilots.
“I am looking forward to the moment when the first Ukrainian pilots will be trained here. Ukraine needs to strengthen its air defense,” said Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans.
According to the report, the Netherlands will provide Ukraine with 24 F-16 fighters.
Aviation coalition
Last year, an aviation coalition was created within which the allies will provide Ukraine with F-16 fighters. The coalition is led by the Netherlands and Denmark.
Earlier, the partners stated that F-16s would appear in Ukrainian airspace in the summer of 2024. However, there has been no official information on the transfer of the aircraft.
Read more about the F-16s arriving in Ukraine and how they may affect the frontline in RBC-Ukraine's article.
