Lockheed Martin and the governments of Romania and the Netherlands have announced a Letter of Intent to establish the European F-16 Training Center in Romania.

“The F-16 continues to play a crucial role in 21st Century Security missions for the United States, Europe, NATO and allies around the world,” said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager, Integrated Fighter Group. “Lockheed Martin is proud to partner with the Netherlands and Romania on this European F-16 Training Center in Romania, which will enhance mission readiness through a comprehensive F-16 training solution for Romanian pilots.”

The center will focus on ensuring effectiveness and safety of Romanians flying and operating F-16 fighter jets and could eventually expand to include training for other nations.

“Once details are finalized, we are confident the training center will ultimately benefit Romania and other regional F-16 operators, including potentially Ukraine,” added Sanchez.

Lockheed Martin has supported F-16s worldwide for decades, with extensive experience in pilot and maintainer training. Aircrews from the Netherlands and Romania currently train with Lockheed Martin F-16 simulators, and this training center will support readiness through an affordable, efficient sequence of ground-based and flight training missions.

There are hundreds of F-16s operating across Europe today, enabling multiple European countries, including Romania, to protect airspace and be part of a web of integrated NATO peacekeeping coverage. Lockheed Martin continues to work side by side with European operators to modernize the F-16 to remain ahead of the evolving threat.