F-16s for Ukraine: Romanian president approves training of pilots in his country

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has agreed to allow the transit of certain weapons through Romanian territory for Ukraine and the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets at the European F-16 Training Centre (EFTC) at Fetești military airbase.

Source: European Pravda, citing Digi24

Details: Journalists say that Klaus Iohannis informed the parliament by letter that he had authorised the transit of military assistance to Ukraine from Finland and the training of approximately 50 Ukrainian military personnel within Romania.

The matter is to be discussed at a meeting of the leaders of both chambers of the Romanian parliament on 18 March. The chamber vote is expected to occur at the next joint plenary session. 

The publication notes that this concerns the training of Ukrainians working with F-16 fighter jets at the EFTC at Fetești military airbase. Romanian pilots began training at the newly established centre in January.

Digi24 sources indicated that Ukrainian pilots are expected to arrive at the base in the summer.

Background:

• Training of Ukrainian pilots is already underway in other countries. The prime minister of Denmark, one of the countries in the aircraft coalition, expressed hope that the first F-16s would be flying in Ukrainian skies by the summer.

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