Romania has now officially taken ownership of 18 Dutch F-16 fighter jets based in the country for the symbolic acount of 1 euro. The handover was confirmed by the Dutch Ministry of Defence, following the signing of documents in Bucharest by Romanian Defence Minister Ionuț Moșteanu and Linda Ruseler from the Dutch Ministry of Finance. The aircraft will be used to train both Romanian and Ukrainian pilots.
The first five jets have already been flying in Romania since November 2023 as part of the European F-16 Training Centre (EFTC). This centre, set up with help from the Netherlands, is the first in Europe where pilots from different countries train together on the F-16.
Romania, a NATO member, hopes to use the fighter jets to strengthen the alliance’s eastern airspace. At the same time, Ukrainian pilots are learning to fly the F-16 there too. Their training focuses on defending Ukraine against ongoing Russian attacks.
Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans called the project “a great example of teamwork.” He said the training programme gives the old Dutch F-16s a “valuable new purpose” and praised the Ukrainian pilots already using their new skills to protect their country.
The last two jets arrived in Romania at the end of 2024. Until now, the Netherlands was still the official owner. In total, the country is transferring 18 F-16s to Romania and 24 to Ukraine. The Netherlands itself has moved on to the newer F-35.
