The first mission-ready F-16 pilots to graduate from the European F-16 Training Center (EFTC) in Romania were honoured today. This milestone, achieved through collaboration between Lockheed Martin and the governments of the Netherlands and Romania, highlights the commitment to advancing mission readiness and enhancing NATO's security in Europe.
The EFTC has expanded its training fleet to 14 Dutch F-16s, successfully conducting night training missions and dissimilar air-to-air training exercises with other NATO air forces. These advancements improve Romanian pilots' tactical proficiency and operational readiness, reinforcing Lockheed Martin’s role in military aviation training and bolstering the nation’s air defence capabilities.
OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin, stated: “This milestone enhances Romania’s air defence capabilities and mission readiness with our 21st Century Security® training solutions. We appreciate Romania’s trust in us and are committed to supporting their pioneering efforts, including hosting the first European F-16 Training Center, which underscores their strategic importance within NATO and European defence.”
New EFTC classes began in early July, with the next one starting in September, demonstrating the ongoing effort to ensure the readiness, effectiveness, and safety of Romanian military personnel and other regional F-16 operators. This initiative is in partnership with subcontractors Daedalus Aviation Group, Draken International, GFD (a subsidiary of Airbus Defence and Space), ILIAS Solutions, and BGI, LLC.
The US aerospace and defence company has been a strategic partner to Romania for over 26 years, supporting national defence, industry, and academia. Collaborations include establishing sustainment centres for Black Hawk helicopters and HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) at Aerostar in Bacau, as well as artificial intelligence research with the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca for national security and environmental sciences.
Romania’s leadership in European defence is highlighted by hosting the first EFTC, installing the first Aegis Ashore missile defence system, and deploying the first PAC-3 MSE missile system. These efforts underscore Romania's vital role within NATO and its commitment to advancing regional security and strengthening Europe's technology ecosystem.
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