The aircraft are being used at the European F-16 Training Centre (EFTC), established in part through a Dutch initiative, to train both Romanian and Ukrainian pilots. The first five jets from the Royal Netherlands Air Force have been operational at the centre since November 2023.
Romania, a NATO ally, recently began operating the F-16 and is using the aircraft to help strengthen the alliance’s eastern airspace. To prepare for deployment, Romanian fighter pilots are undergoing training at the EFTC, while since September 2024, Ukrainian pilots have also been training there to operate the F-16 in defence against Russian aggression.
Dutch Defence Minister Brekelmans stated: “Het trainingscentrum is een schoolvoorbeeld van succesvolle samenwerking. Met Roemenië en Lockheed Martin werken we op een unieke manier samen om Roemeense en Oekraïense vliegers op te leiden. Ontzettend mooi dat onze voormalige F-16’s bij het EFTC een waardevol nieuw leven hebben gekregen. De Oekraïense vliegers die hier zijn getraind leveren al een significante bijdrage aan het beschermen van hun land tegen de verschrikkelijke Russische luchtaanvallen.”
The final two Dutch F-16s were delivered to Romania in November 2024, although the Netherlands retained ownership until today. In addition to the 18 jets for the training centre, the Netherlands has donated 24 F-16s to Ukraine, which are already in use to counter intense Russian airstrikes.
Source: Dutch Ministry of Defence.
