European F-16 Training Center Opens in Romania

The center will serve as a model for training regional partners, including the Ukrainian Air Force, said Kathleen Kavalec, U.S. ambassador to Romania.

Kimberly Johnson

Monday, November 13, 2023 at 02:34 PM ET

Verified

The new European F-16 Training Center (EFTC) is located at Romanian Air Force 86th Air Base near Fetești, Romania. [Courtesy: Defense Ministry of the Netherlands]

Key Takeaways:

The European F-16 Training Center (EFTC) officially opened in Romania, established through cooperation between Lockheed Martin, Romania, and the Netherlands.
The center will provide F-16 flight training for pilots from both Romania and Ukraine, with the Netherlands pledging up to 18 F-16s for the facility.
The EFTC aims to enhance regional security, strengthen NATO's capabilities, bolster support for Ukraine, and serve as a model for future partner training initiatives.

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Officials from Lockheed Martin and the defense ministries of Romania and the Netherlands officially opened the European F-16 Training Center (EFTC) in Romania Monday.

The flight training facility located at Romanian Air Force 86th Air Base near Fetești, Romania, will train pilots from Romania and Ukraine. Last week, five Dutch F-16s were delivered to the center. The Netherlands has pledged to provide up to 18 F-16s for flight training.