The Ministry of National Defense signed on Monday the contract for the acquisition of 18 F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and related equipment from the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands at the symbolic price of 1 euro, announced Minister Ionut Mosteanu, who specified that the aircraft will be used exclusively for training and instruction.

„It is an important step for the development of the European F-16 Training Center in Feteşti, which has become a regional hub for training pilots from NATO member states and partners. The 18 aircraft will be used exclusively for training and instruction, with part of the places in the program being dedicated to training Ukrainian pilots. The acquisition is made at a symbolic price of 1 euro. It is a smart investment in training, cooperation and the future,” the Minister of Defense wrote on his Facebook page.

According to him, the project reflects the trust of the Dutch partners and the recognition of the professionalism of the Romanian Air Force.

„I thank everyone involved – the technical teams, procurement experts and Dutch partners – for the seriousness and pace with which they brought this process to a successful conclusion. Romania continues to invest in defense, in solid partnerships and in well-trained people. F-16 means safety, cooperation and a step closer to the next stage: the integration of F-35 aircraft into the Romanian Air Force,” Mosteanu conveyed.AGERPRES