Romania on Monday opened the European F-16 Training Center, which can enable neighboring Ukraine to coach pilots within the U.S.-made fighter jets it has requested for for the reason that begin of its struggle with Russia.
The coaching heart is positioned at a Romanian air drive base in Fetesti, about 86 miles east of Bucharest, the nation’s capital. It will function a world hub for F-16 pilot coaching and can facilitate interoperability amongst NATO member states and allies, Romanian protection officers stated.
“This milestone enhances bilateral cooperation, strengthens allied security, prepares Romanian pilots for the upcoming F-16 fleet, and gives support to Ukraine,” Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tilvar stated in an announcement.
The coaching heart will improve NATO’s capability to “face the complex challenges posed in the Black Sea region and in Eastern Europe,” Romanian protection officers stated.
According to the settlement, Romania will present the bottom and host nation assist, whereas the Netherlands will make out there the F-16 plane. Defense contractor Lockheed Martin will present instructors and upkeep for the fighter jets, officers stated.
The U.S. was initially hesitant about offering F-16s to Ukraine, saying they’d have been of little assist to Kyiv in its counteroffensive towards Moscow. But President Biden got here round in May and endorsed the thought of F-16 coaching packages for Ukraine.
