Netherlands plans to send 18 F-16 aircraft to Romania by year end to train Ukrainians

The remaining F-16 fighter jets that the Netherlands pledged to provide for the training of Ukrainian pilots will be sent to Romania before the New Year.

Source: NOS, citing General Onno Eichelsheim, Commander of the Armed Forces of the Netherlands, as reported by European Pravda

Eichelsheim expects a total of 18 aircraft to be sent. Until now, 12-18 planes had always been mentioned. "Right now we're assuming they need 18, and we're planning for that as well," the general said.

Eichelsheim anticipates that Ukrainians will be able to train there starting from early next year. The planes will remain the property of the Netherlands, which has 42 of them in total.

Background:

• Earlier this week, the Dutch Ministry of Defence said that five Dutch F-16 fighter jets were on their way to the European F-16 Training Centre (EFTC) in Romania, where they will be used to train Romanian and Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel. Initially they will be used to provide advanced training to instructors.
• The Netherlands and Denmark are coordinating European efforts to help Ukraine get the F-16s.
• On 25 October, the US Air Force confirmed that Ukrainian pilots have begun flight training on F-16 fighter jets at an air base in Arizona.
• The Pentagon said training for Ukrainian pilots on American F-16 fighter jets could last five months or longer, depending on the rate of their progress.

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