During the CSAT meeting on Thursday, “Romania’s participation in a new transatlantic project, namely the creation of a pilot training center for the operation of F-16 aircraft in our country, was also analyzed,” according to the Presidential Administration.

“A regional hub for F-16 pilots will be created in Romania”

“Together with other allies and the company that develops this fighter, a regional hub will be established in Romania to train the pilots who will fly these aircraft.

Romanian pilots who operate F-16 aircraft will be trained here, and later the facility will be open to the participation of pilots from allied and NATO partner countries, including Ukraine,” the presidential administration said.

“This regional training center will meet the training needs of allies and regional partners, positioning Romania as a regional leader in F-16 pilot training, thus contributing to increased cohesion, demonstrating unity and strengthening deterrence and Euro-Atlantic defense.” , the Presidency of Romania reports.

The Netherlands, together with other countries, is preparing to start training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 aircraft

Ukrainian military pilots may begin training this summer on American F-16 multi-role aircraft, Dutch Defense Minister Kaisa Ollongren told Reuters in early June, but clarified that this is a long-term program and the Ukrainian Army will not be able to use such aircraft in the near future in a war with Russia.

Denmark and the Netherlands are leading an international coalition that has undertaken training of Ukrainian pilots, support personnel, aircraft maintenance and, eventually, likely delivery of some F-16s to Ukraine.

Belgium and Luxembourg will also participate in this program with US support, while France and the UK are providing assistance. The latter two countries and Luxembourg do not have F-16s in their air forces.

Ukraine hopes to have F-16 fighters by the end of the year

A high-ranking adviser to the President of Ukraine expressed confidence that his country will receive American-made F-16 fighter jets in the coming months, Sky News reports.

The head of the Administration of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, told journalists: “I believe that it is absolutely possible for Ukraine to start receiving aircraft by the end of the year.”

Hiermark said that Ukraine’s allies are “ready for action” but there are currently some “technical problems”.

Earlier, the Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Oleksiy Reznikov, said that Ukrainian pilots will begin training on fighter jets in July this year.

Romania has 17 F-16s and is buying another 32 from Norway

Currently, the Romanian Air Force has 17 F-16 aircraft in the M5.2R configuration, which will be upgraded to the M6.6 configuration, purchased on the basis of the provisions of the Concept for the gradual realization of air defense capabilities within the framework of “Air Force Multipurpose Aircraft”.

The 17 F-16s were purchased in two parts from Portugal and upgraded with US help, and the whole package cost Romania around €628 million, including personnel training.

At the same time, the Ministry of National Defense of Romania signed a contract with the government of the Kingdom of Norway in November 2022 for the purchase of 32 F-16 aircraft in the M6.5.2 configuration, spare engines and logistical support.

The value of the contract signed with the government of the Kingdom of Norway is 388 million euros and is designed for three years, with the first aircraft to be delivered at the end of 2023.

Photo source: RNoAF

Aerostar Advantage: F-16 upgrades and repairs done domestically for the entire fleet as well as other neighbors’ aircraft

In addition to the purchase of the machines themselves from Norway, about 388 million euros for 32 aircraft (including several spare parts), according to MApN, the entire equipment program includes another component of almost 100 million euros for modernization.

In other words, 32 aircraft will be adapted for integration into the Romanian Air Force and will benefit from the modernization that will be carried out at Aerostar Bacău.

Given that Aerostar Bacău has already been designated as the center for the maintenance of the current 17 aircraft in service with the army, as well as their modernization to the M6.X standard, carrying out the necessary work for two more squadrons (32 aircraft) will mean a large workload for the domestic defense industry. Practically part of the money that Romania invests in the F-16 program is returned to the economy, and Aerostar can become a specialized F-16 center that meets the needs of other countries in the region.

Around Romania and other countries have decided to purchase F16 aircraft so that their modernization, maintenance and repair can also be carried out at Aerostar Bacău.