In the context of the participation in the Informal Meeting of the EU Defence Ministers, held in Toledo, in Spain, Minister of National Defence, Angel Tilvar, signed on Tuesday, August 29, during a ceremony, the Letter of Intent among the Romanian Ministry of National Defence, the Defence Ministry of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Lockheed Martin Company regarding the F-16 Pilot Training Center in Romania.

'The Letter of Intent that I have signed concerns the establishment of the F-16 Pilot Training Center in Romania, an initiative designed to support the development of the Romanian pilots' skills with respect to operating the F-16 aircraft, in the performance of a wide spectrum of strategic missions. Through this center, Romania commits to provide a high-quality training environment, with access to technical resources and state-of-the-art know-how not only for the Romanian pilots, but also for those from the Allied and partner states, including Ukraine' the Minister of National Defence stated.

In order to implement this project, the Royal Dutch Air Force will contribute by deploying some F-16 aircraft to the 86th 'Lieutenant Aviator Gheorghe Mociornita' Air Base, thus facilitating the effective training of the Romanian pilots. Lockheed Martin Company will also provide the highest-level technical support through flight instructors and technical-engineering personnel. This solid cooperation ensures complex training, in accordance with the international standards.

The F-16 Pilot Training Center from the 86th Air Base will become a relevant regional center, a fact already consolidated by the signing of the Joint Declaration during the Vilnius NATO Summit, in July 2023. Through this agreement, Romania joins other Allied nations, such as Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Luxembourg, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in supporting the training of Ukrainian pilots for the future use of the F-16 aircraft.

'I express my hope that the F-16 Pilot Training Center in Romania will demonstrate its strategic importance, which aims at meeting the complex security requirements established by Romania and its Allies and partners from the region. This joint effort consolidates Romania's position as a regional leader in the training of F-16 pilots, contributing to the Alliance cohesion, demonstrating unity and strengthening the Euro-Atlantic defence', Minister Angel Tilvar said.

Not only does this project underline Romania's commitment to collective security, but also reflects the solid support provided to our partners. Through the F-16 Pilot Training Center, Romania consolidates its role as a security provider, by substantially contributing to supporting Ukraine's capabilities in the collective efforts made for stability and security.

The Press Office