Romania has solidified its role as Europe’s only nation hosting a dedicated F-16 training center, a development that underscores its growing strategic importance within NATO and its support for Ukraine.
According to a report from Defenseromania.ro, President Nicuşor Dan said during Romanian Air Force Day on Sunday that the Air Force remains a “pillar of national defense” and is actively adapting to modern security challenges. “Procurement and training programs now underway strengthen our ability to carry out a wide range of military and civilian missions, in close coordination with other elements of the national security system,” the president said.
At the same ceremony, Defense Minister Ionuț Moșteanu highlighted Romania’s unique position as the only country outside the United States operating an advanced training center for F-16 pilots.
“We are the only military, apart from the United States of America, that trains F-16 pilots at Fetești,” Moșteanu stated. He confirmed that Ukrainian pilots have already completed training courses there, with others currently undergoing instruction.
The training center at the 86th Air Base in Borcea was inaugurated in November 2023 and has since become the focal point for F-16 operations in Europe. The facility was developed in partnership with NATO allies and was transferred from the Netherlands to Romania in record time. Romania provides logistical support, Dutch partners supplied equipment, and U.S. defense giant Lockheed Martin contributes instructors for the program.
In the U.S., only Morris Air National Guard Base and Luke Air Force Base provide similar F-16 pilot training, making Romania’s center in Fetești a critical asset for NATO’s European airpower.
The Romanian Air Force has been undergoing a broader modernization drive, with Moșteanu announcing that defense spending will steadily rise to reach 5% of GDP by 2035.
“Romania continues to assist Ukraine with both equipment and ammunition,” Moșteanu added. He acknowledged that some details of Romania’s military support to Ukraine have not been disclosed for security reasons but said discussions are ongoing between the government and the presidency about how to handle such announcements in the future.
The Fetești facility plays a vital role in these efforts, as it not only trains Romanian pilots but also provides instruction to Ukrainian aviators preparing to fly Western-supplied F-16s in combat operations against Russia.
As the war in Ukraine continues, Romania’s growing role in NATO’s airpower infrastructure highlights its position at the front line of European security.