The President of Romania approves the training of Ukrainians on the F-16s

19 March, 2024 Myrhorod, Safe Sky 2011 exercise. American F-16 and Ukrainian Su-27 fighters.

2011. Ukraine.

Photo credits: poltava.to Romanian President Klaus Iohannis approved the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets at a training center in Romania. Digi24 reported on it.

He also agreed to the transportation of international military aid for Ukraine through the country's territory. The journalists learned that Iohannis had sent a letter to the parliament in which he outlined that he gave his consent to the training of about 50 servicemen of the Ukrainian Air Force in Romania. He also agreed to the transit of military aid from Finland to Ukraine through the country's territory.

F-16 fighter jet.

Photo from open sources

This issue is soon to be considered at a meeting of the leaders of both houses of the Romanian Parliament. The vote is to take place at the next joint plenary session. The Romanian authorities have not officially announced when the training of the Ukrainian military will begin.

However, according to the newspaper's journalists, they are expected to arrive at the European training center at the Romanian Fetesti air base this summer. It is expected that pilot training on the F-16s will be completed by the end of the year.

Dutch F-16AM in Romania. Photo credits: Dutch Ministry of Defence

The training center in Romania was established last year in cooperation with other allies and Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of these US fighter jets, to train Ukrainians and other NATO members.

Ukrainian pilots and personnel are training in Denmark, the United Kingdom, and the United States. According to The New York Times, the first six F-16s will be delivered to Ukraine this summer.

F-16 fighter in Denmark. February 2024.

Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

Eight Ukrainian pilots began training in Denmark in August 2023.

The training takes place at the air base in Skrydstrup, where the Danish Air Force's fighter wing, consisting of the 727th and 730th squadrons, is stationed.

Moreover, 65 personnel will be trained in maintaining and servicing the jets.