Five Dutch F-16s have been stationed at the European F-16 Training Centre (EFTC) in Romania to train Romanian and Ukrainian pilots.
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Press Release, The Hague, 07 November 2023: Since 7 November, five Dutch F-16s have been stationed at the European F-16 Training Centre (EFTC) in Romania. The aircraft will be used to train Romanian and Ukrainian pilots.
The Netherlands took the initiative to establish the EFTC and will make 12 to 18 F-16s available for training purposes. The aircraft will remain the property of the Netherlands. Together with Denmark and with the support of the United States, the Netherlands is in charge of coordinating European efforts aimed at providing Ukraine with F-16 capabilities. It was previously announced that Lockheed Martin would provide the training and maintain the aircraft.
The training centre in Romania will first use the aircraft to provide a refresher course for the hired F-16 instructors, after which training will be provided to the Romanian and Ukrainian pilots. The aircraft will only be flown in NATO airspace. The ceremonial opening of the training centre will take place in the near future.
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