On June 26, 2025, a significant milestone in strengthening Europe’s defense capabilities was reached — the Kingdom of the Netherlands officially transferred 18 multirole F-16 fighter jets to Romania. The aircraft were handed over to the Fetesti Air Base for a symbolic sum of one euro, underscoring the priority of strategic partnerships and a rethinking of Europe’s role in ensuring collective security.
This move marks a turning point in the development of the European F-16 Training Center, inaugurated in November 2023. Located at the 86th Air Base, the center has become a critical hub for the comprehensive training of pilots and technical personnel. Today, it serves military specialists from various countries, including Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Slovakia, positioning it as a vital link in preparing modern air forces across the region.
The fighter jet transfer program goes beyond the mere exchange of hardware. It is a product of shifting defense priorities and well-coordinated collaboration among European partners. Initially, six of these jets were intended for sale to the U.S.-based private contractor Draken International. However, the evolving international landscape redirected attention: it became evident that achieving air superiority and rapidly training pilots within the continent held greater strategic value than participating in commercial training projects overseas.
The Romanian Air Force continues to rapidly expand its capabilities, already operating over 70 F-16s acquired from Portugal and Norway. The aircraft received from the Netherlands will allow the creation of a dedicated training squadron, easing the burden on combat units and ensuring the long-term development of a new-generation flight training school.
This partnership is backed by major defense firms, including Lockheed Martin and subcontractors such as Draken International, guaranteeing high-quality instruction and aircraft maintenance. The transferred jets, previously operated by the Royal Netherlands Air Force, have been modernized to the F-16AM/BM standard.
The transfer is part of a broader delivery initiative that also includes 24 jets allocated to Ukraine, as well as additional aircraft provided by other European nations. Among them are Denmark, Belgium, and Norway, which together form a coalition capable of significantly altering the regional air power balance.
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans, speaking at the handover ceremony, described the F-16 transfer as “an investment in a sustainable security architecture.” He also highlighted that, beyond the aircraft themselves, the Netherlands has invested hundreds of millions of euros in drone development and the technical support of partner air fleets.
By rethinking how it allocates its defense resources, the Netherlands is choosing integration over isolation. This is more than a hardware donation — it is a contribution to building a new level of European defense culture, one rooted in solidarity, strategic foresight, and technological excellence.
