Netherlands Transfers 18 F-16 Aircraft to Romania for NATO Training Ground Operations
The Netherlands has announced its plan to transfer 18 F-16 fighter jets to Romania by the end of 2025, marking a significant move in strengthening air combat training capabilities in Eastern Europe. The jets will be sold for a symbolic sum of one euro, as a gesture of solidarity within NATO, particularly to support NATO allies in pilot training.
These 18 F-16s will be exclusively used for training purposes at Romania’s European F-16 Training Centre in Fetești. This centre, which serves as a hub for training NATO, partner, and Ukrainian pilots, will benefit from the additional aircraft, enhancing its capacity to provide top-level training programs meeting NATO standards. The jets have already been stationed at the centre since November 2024, facilitating comprehensive pilot education and training.
This transfer aligns with Romania’s broader plan to expand its F-16 fleet and capabilities. The country currently operates two squadrons of F-16s, including aircraft bought from Portugal and those received from Norway. With the addition of the Dutch jets, Romania is expected to reach approximately 67 F-16s in total in the coming years. This expansion will augment Romania’s capacity to train both its own pilots and allied forces, including Ukrainians, thereby strengthening regional defense cooperation and NATO interoperability.
The transfer of the fighter jets is part of wider NATO efforts to expand collective deterrence and readiness capabilities on the alliance’s eastern flank. This move was reiterated during the NATO summit in The Hague, where alliance leaders also agreed to increase military spending, with a new target of 5% of GDP per member state.
In summary, the Netherlands' symbolic transfer of 18 F-16 fighter jets to Romania aims to strengthen air combat training capabilities in Eastern Europe and support NATO allies, particularly in pilot training. The jets will be used exclusively for training purposes at Romania’s European F-16 Training Centre, enhancing Romania’s air force training infrastructure, supporting NATO defense, and bolstering cooperation in the face of regional security challenges.
The 18 F-16 fighter jets, gifted by the Netherlands, will be exclusively utilized at Romania’s European F-16 Training Centre for pilot training, thereby boosting NATO allies' training capacities. With these additional aircraft, the centre's ability to provide top-tier training programs meeting NATO standards will be enhanced significantly.
