The European F-16 fighter control training center in Romania has completed the training of the first group of pilots.
This was reported by the Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands, which provided military aircraft for the center's needs, Ukrinform reports.
“The European F-16 Training Center in Romania completed the training of the first group of pilots. These are Romanian pilots. They are recognized as ready for combat operations and can be involved in operational deployment,” the message says.
It is noted that the pilots practiced various scenarios during training. . For example, they performed missions in the dark and trained with pilots of NATO member countries.
The training of the next group of Romanian pilots has already started. Later, the Ukrainian military will also be trained here.
“I am looking forward to the moment when the first Ukrainian pilots will be trained here. “Ukraine is in dire need of strengthening its air defense,” said Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans.
The Netherlands has 42 F-16 fighter jets. Of these, 24 aircraft are to be handed over to Ukraine, the remaining 18 are gradually heading to the training center. Meanwhile, the Dutch Air Force is switching to the use of more modern F-35 aircraft.
As reported by Ukrinform, in November 2023, a training center for F-16 fighter pilots began operating in Romania, where Ukrainians will also study.