The first fighter jets for training Ukrainian pilots on F-16s will be provided by the Netherlands

On 13November, the European F-16 Training Centre was opened in Romania at theFăteşti Air Base near Bucharest, where Ukrainian pilots will be trained to flyF-16 fighter jets.

This wasannounced by Romanian Defence Minister Andrzej Tilvar and Dutch DefenceMinister Kees Ollongren, Deutsche Welle reports.

In particular,during the opening of the F-16 pilot training centre in Romania, Dutch DefenceMinister Kaysa Ollongren mentioned in her speech the Ukrainian pilot AndriyPilshchikov, who died in a plane crash in Zhytomyr region on 25 August.

"Duringmy speech, I remembered the fallen Andriy Pilshchikov, an ace pilot of Ukrainewith the call sign 'Juice'. He was a great supporter of the transition to theF-16. It is partly thanks to his efforts that we are now able to train a newgeneration of pilots," she wrote on her X social media page.

The website of the Dutch Ministry of Defence states that,according to Ollongren, the training centre symbolises the combined efforts ofEuropean countries. In doing so, they are strengthening Europe's defence.

"Romaniawill be able to make a decisive contribution to the defence of Europe's easternflank. The future of the training centre is in good hands," she said.

Accordingto Ollongren, the training of these pilots and the delivery of the F-16s is animportant step in Ukraine's defence against russian aggression. Less than two weeksago, the minister visited Kharkiv and Kyiv. There, she saw first-hand thatUkraine is still as determined to win this battle as it was on the first day ofthe russian invasion.

TheNetherlands is expected to provide 12 to 18 fighter jets for training ofUkrainian and Romanian pilots. The first five F-16s were sent to Romania a weekago. One of the important terms of the agreement is that Lockheed, whichmanufactures the aircraft, will provide instructors and technical staff tosupport the training programmes.

Thetraining of pilots can take about six months. The Netherlands has promised toprovide Ukraine with 42 fighter jets, but not all of them will be allocated tothe needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces – some will be used for training.

In additionto the Netherlands, Denmark has also promised to provide 19 aircraft, Norway -up to 10, and Belgium - starting in 2025 (the number is unknown).

F-16s will appear in Ukrainian skies thiswinter

Under themost optimistic scenario, Ukraine expects to receive the first F-16s in thefirst half of 2024. However, it could happen sooner – in an interview with Voice of America, former CIA Director David Petraeusdid not rule out that Ukraine would receive the American fighters this winter.

"Itwill be very important to provide F-16s, which are likely to be delivered tothe Ukrainian Air Force this winter. I believe that Ukrainian pilots areexceptional and they will quickly switch from MiG and Sukhoi aircraft toF-16s," he said.

As areminder, Pentagon spokesman General Patrick Ryder said that training ofUkrainian pilots on F-16s could take from 5 to 9 months, depending on the individual skillsof the servicemen. Previously, the minimum projected training period was threemonths, or "a few months".

The Britishmilitary will begin training Ukrainian pilots at military bases in Romania inearly 2024.

The Ukrainian AirForce expects the first F-16s to fly in Ukrainianskies in spring 2024.