On Monday, November 13, a historic moment unfolded as the inaugural ceremony of the first European F-16 Training Center took place at the Fetești Air Base in southern Romania. A collaborative effort between the Romanian Ministry of National Defence, the Romanian Air Force, the Royal Netherlands Air Force, and Lockheed Martin, this state-of-the-art center brings together the expertise of Lockheed Martin and its esteemed subcontractors: Daedalus Aviation Group, Draken International, GFD (a subsidiary of Airbus Defence and Space), and ILIAS Solutions. This remarkable partnership signifies a unified commitment to deliver top-notch F-16 training. Together, these entities will operate seamlessly as a cohesive team, providing comprehensive training services at the newly established center.
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Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16s in formation. The RNLAF commits four of its F-16s to these training activities (Picture source: RNLAF)
As part of the agreement, the team will be responsible for organizing, scheduling, operating and maintaining the F-16 fighter jets provided by the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) in support of F-16 training. More specifically, GFD and Draken will provide experienced F-16 instructor pilots with recent front-line experience flying F-16s in the U.S. Air Force and air forces throughout Europe. To further complement the training, Daedalus will bring expertise in the European Military Ai
worthiness Requirements regulatory framework including Part 145, which focuses on aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul; as well as CAMO — short for Continuous Airworthiness Management Organization — which focuses on the continuing airworthiness of aircraft. Daedalus will furthermore perform F-16 maintenance, repair and logistics activities supported by experienced Draken aircraft technicians.
To round out the training team, ILIAS Solutions will be responsible for providing integrated defense software solutions for logistics and sustainment, training management and flight scheduling.
“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. “Lockheed Martin is proud to partner with the Netherlands and Romania on this European F-16 Training Center, which will enhance mission readiness through a comprehensive F-16 training solution for Romanian pilots. The center will focus on ensuring the effectiveness and safety of Romanians flying and operating F-16 fighter jets and could eventually expand to include training for other nations. Together, with our partners from Daedalus, Draken, GFD and ILIAS, we’re providing world-class training to enhance mission readiness and ensure the safety of Romanians flying and operating F-16 fighter jets".
As part of the agreement between the Netherlands and Lockheed Martin, the RNLAF will continue to own the aircraft and maintain sovereign rights.
Vice President and General Manager of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin, OJ Sanchez, shares opening remarks at the Inauguration Ceremony for the European F-16 Training Center in Romania (Picture source: Romanian Air Force via Lockheed Martin)
