The very first pilots have graduated from the European F-16 Training Center.

The Dutch Ministry of Defense stated that the first graduation consisted of Romanian pilots.

The Netherlands played an important role in the creation of the European Center and supplied 18 F-16 fighter jets to Romania.

During the training, they went through various scenarios. For example, they flew missions with NATO pilots.

“NATO’s strength is in cooperation. The European F-16 Training Center is a good example of this,” the Dutch Defense Ministry stated.

The ministry added that Ukrainian pilots will also be trained on F-16s at this center in the future.

“I am looking forward to the moment when the first Ukrainian pilots will be trained here. Ukraine really needs to strengthen its air defense,” added Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans.

In addition to F-16s for the training center, the Netherlands will also supply 24 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.

In July, it was reported that a regional training center for F-16 pilots would be established in Romania.

Thus, Romania will join the ‘aviation coalition’ that supports the training of Ukrainian pilots and ground personnel, as well as the transfer of modern multifunctional fighters as part of military assistance.

The center was created jointly with other allies and Lockheed Martin, which is the manufacturer of these U.S. combat aircraft.

As previously reported, in July, Canada announced the allocation of about C$389 million (more than $280 million) to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets.