Netherlands, Romania Sign Deal To Launch F-16 Maintenance Training Centre

The Netherlands and Romania signed a declaration of intent on Wednesday to establish a training centre for F-16 maintenance personnel at Fetesti air base, further expanding their defense cooperation.

This move builds on the existing European F-16 Training Centre (EFTC) at the same location, which already trains both Romanian and Ukrainian pilots.

Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans formalized the agreement during his visit to Romania, where he met with Romanian Defence Minister Angel Tîlvăr.

“The Ukrainians are fully deploying the F-16s for air defense. We see every day how much this is needed,” Brekelmans said. “Not only pilots, but also well-trained maintenance personnel are indispensable. Together with Romania, we are now taking the next important step.”

Brekelmans emphasized that this collaboration underlines the Netherlands’ commitment to supporting Ukraine and bolstering European defense. “We are showing what we are jointly capable of in continuing to support Ukraine and at the same time strengthening European armed forces. This is urgently needed, because we must jointly stop Russian aggression,” he added.

The plan comes after the Netherlands previously expressed its intention to formally transfer 18 Dutch F-16s stationed at the EFTC to Romania.

During his visit, Brekelmans also experienced flying in an F-16 firsthand, taking a 45-minute flight in a two-seater aircraft alongside a Dutch flight instructor.

Brekelmans concluded his trip at Campia Turzii air base, where a Dutch detachment operates two MQ-9 Reaper drones as part of NATO surveillance missions on the alliance’s eastern flank. About 120 Dutch personnel are involved in this deployment, with around 35 stationed on the Romanian base to maintain and secure the aircraft, while analysts and operators work remotely from Leeuwarden air base in the Netherlands.