On Friday, December 13, 2024, the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of the Netherlands announced that the previous day, in The Hague, Minister Ruben Brekelmans, along with his Romanian counterpart Angel Tîlvăr, signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to explore the possibility of formally transferring 18 ex-Dutch F-16AM/BM multirole aircraft at the European F-16 Training Center (EFTC) to the Romanian side.
Photos: Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Ruben Brekelmans said:
“Maintaining a place where Ukraine can train new pilots is of great importance. Here, they learn to defend their country against relentless Russian airstrikes using fighter aircraft. In addition to the aircraft we are directly delivering to Ukraine, we are supporting both our Romanian NATO ally and Ukraine with these F-16s. The EFTC plays a key role in our determination to equip the Ukrainian Air Force with F-16 capability. This benefits the security of Ukraine, Romania, NATO, and, therefore, the Netherlands as well.”
Angel Tîlvăr added:
“Through this partnership, we demonstrate once again that investments in defence are essential for the security of the Black Sea region. The joint efforts of Romania, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the support of the Lockheed Martin Company represent a concrete example of collaboration with a view of consolidating defence capabilities. More than a year after rendering the Center operational, the results are clear: both the Romanian and Ukrainian pilots benefit from an advanced training program. We will continue to expand these activities, by directly contributing to the security of the national and allied airspace.”
Since November 20 of this year, 18 F-16AM/BM MLU Block 10/15 aircraft have been stationed at the new European F-16 Training Centre (EFTC), located at the 86th Air Base Locotenent Aviator Gheorghe Mociorniţă, also known as Fetești or Borcea. These aircraft were formally retired from the Royal Netherlands Air Force (Koninklijke Luchtmacht) on September 25 of this year. The transfer of the aircraft began on November 7, 2023, and this year, the first training courses were completed by Romanian and Ukrainian pilots. Logistical support is provided by the aircraft manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, while instructors are supplied by Draken International. The remaining 24 ex-Dutch F-16s are being delivered to Ukraine as part of military aid.
Under the terms of the document, both parties will explore the possibility of formally incorporating the aircraft into the Romanian Air Force (Forțele Aeriene Române). Currently, the Romanian Air Force operates:
- 17 F-16AM/BM Block 15 MLU aircraft with M5.2R software, grouped in the 53rd Fighter Squadron. Of these, 14 are ex-Portuguese and 3 are ex-American aircraft, acquired in stages in 2013 and 2020, and introduced into service between 2016 and 2021 under the Peace Carpathian I and Peace Carpathian II programs.
- 15 of 32 ex-Norwegian F-16AM/BM Block 20 MLU aircraft, delivered so far in five batches: the first in November 2023, immediately after handover in Norway; the second on April 19 of this year; the third on June 28; the fourth on October 24; and the fifth on December 13 of this year. The completion of deliveries is scheduled for the end of 2025.
This would mean that Romania could eventually operate 67 F-16 aircraft, grouped into four squadrons, before the planned introduction of up to 48 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II multirole aircraft into service in the 2030s, 32 of which have already been ordered.
Lees hier meer over het tekenen van de intentieverklaring: https://t.co/XHScJH3iBQ https://t.co/4RqR55rTiy
— Ministerie van Defensie (@Defensie) December 13, 2024