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18 Dutch F-16s Arrive in Romania to Support Ukrainian Pilot Training Program

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Lucile Brizard
Lucile Brizard
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18 Dutch F-16s Arrive in Romania to Support Ukrainian Pilot Training Program
F-16 allocated from the Netherlands for training purposes at the 86th Romanian Air Base. (Source: ROAF)

The Netherlands has transferred 18 F-16 aircraft to Romania for training purposes, including for Ukrainian pilots according to Defense Express on April 2.

The F-16s in question were part of the Netherlands' contribution to the “aviation coalition”  for Ukraine, with the condition that they would be used for training rather than combat operations. These aircraft will support training at Romania’s 86th Air Base, which is intended to serve not only Romanian forces but also Ukrainian pilots.

Romania, currently operating Soviet-era Yak-52 training aircraft, sees the acquisition of F-16s as a vital step toward modernizing its air force.

Yak-52 training aircraft of the Romanian Air Force. (Image: Open Source)
Yak-52 training aircraft of the Romanian Air Force. (Image: Open Source)

The Netherlands’ decision to shift the burden of maintenance and operational costs to Romania could be part of a larger strategy to redistribute responsibilities among NATO members, particularly in supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts according to the Defense Express article.

In related news, Germany has launched its first foreign military deployment since World War II, stationing a 5,000-person tank brigade in Lithuania to bolster NATO's eastern flank in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

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The “aviation coalition” refers to a collaborative effort among several countries, including the Netherlands, the United States, and other NATO members, to provide military aircraft, resources, and support to aid Ukraine’s defense.