Eighteen F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets were officially inducted into the inventory of the Romanian Air Force on November 3, 2025, during a formal ceremony held in Bucharest. This strategic transfer from the Netherlands significantly strengthens the region’s air defense and deterrence capabilities.
The handover agreement was finalized and signed by Romanian Minister of Defense Ionuţ Mosteanu and Linda Ruseler, Director of Movable Property Transactions at the Dutch Ministry of Finance.
Critical Cooperation in Pilot Training with the European F-16 Training Center (EFTC)
The first five former F-16 fighter jets from the Royal Netherlands Air Force have already been in use since November 2023 by the European F-16 Training Center (EFTC) in Romania. Along with the aircraft, pilot training also constitutes a critical part of the transfer agreement. Established under Dutch leadership and operating in Romania, the EFTC is responsible for training both Romanian and Ukrainian pilots. Training for Ukrainian pilots on the operation of F-16s has been continuing at this center since September 2024.
The Netherlands’ Transition to the F-35 and Its Strategic Contribution to NATO Defense
Romania aims to strengthen NATO’s air defense and deterrence capabilities on its eastern flank with the addition of these F-16s to its inventory.
The strategic reason behind this transfer lies in the Netherlands’ complete transition from its F-16 fleet to the more modern and fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II system. This modernization process has created an important opportunity to transfer the existing F-16 fleet to allied nations.
This handover stands out as a practical and tangible demonstration of cooperation and the principle of collective defense within NATO. It is of particular importance in enhancing the capacity for strategic support to Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.or.
