First F-16s sent to Romania to train Ukrainian pilots
The Netherlands on Tuesday sent its first five F-16 fighter jets to a Romanian air base where the planes will be used to train Ukrainian and Romanian pilots, the Dutch defence ministry said, AFP reports.
The United States in August approved the transfer of Dutch and Danish US-made warplanes to Ukraine to strengthen Kyiv's Soviet-era air force in its war against Russia.
However, "the planes will only fly in NATO air space" the ministry said in a statement.
"The Romanian training centre will first use the planes for a refresher course for hired instructors. This will be followed pilot training," it said.
The planes will be maintained by its US-based manufacturer Lockheed Martin, who will also provide the training.
In total, the Netherlands will make 12 to 18 F-16s available for training purposes.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday urged Ukraine's allies to provide his military with long range missiles and fighter jets to break an impasse on the front line.
