BUCHAREST, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Romania's Ministry of National Defense signed a contract on Monday to acquire 18 F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and related equipment from the Netherlands for a symbolic price of one euro, Defense Minister Ionut Mosteanu said.
The aircraft will be used exclusively for training and instruction at the European F-16 Training Center (EFTC) in Fetesti, which serves as a regional hub for North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and partner pilots, including those from Ukraine.
"This is an important step for the development of the European F-16 Training Center in Fetesti," Mosteanu wrote on Facebook. "It is a smart investment in training, cooperation, and the future."
According to local media, the 18 jets have already been stationed at the Fetesti training center since November 2023 and will now formally join the Romanian Air Force. ■