Ukrainian Pilots Start Training on F-16s in Romania

A group of Ukrainian Air Force pilots begin training on F-16 fighter jets in Romania.

Following a phone conversation with Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umierov stated on September 12 that “there would be more F-16s in Ukrainian skies.”

According to Umierov, Ukraine will soon receive a new Patriot air defense system from its Romanian partners. The minister also added that he plans to visit Romania.

Having received the first F-16 fighter jets, Ukraine is preparing for the further deployment of new squadrons.

However, in addition to technical problems, the country also needs to address human resources issues, including training new pilots for these aircraft.

Back in June, it was announced that Romania will finance the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets at the Feteşti air base.

The country will use the Ministry of Defense budget to cover the costs incurred by Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel while staying at the Romanian air base.

In November 2023, the F-16 training center was opened at the Feteşti Air Base, where, in addition to Ukrainian pilots, Romanian pilots will also be trained.

The center was set up jointly with other allies and Lockheed Martin, which is the manufacturer of these U.S. fighter jets. It meets the training requirements of NATO pilots.

In July, it became known that a regional center for training pilots on F-16 fighter jets 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 fighter jets as part of military assistance.

As previously reported, Ukraine plans to hire retired foreign pilots to fly Western fighter jets and fight against Russia.