Ukrainian pilots have begun training on F-16 fighter jets in Romania, as confirmed by Ukraine's Defense Minister, Rustem Umierov, following a conversation with Romania’s Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr. Umierov announced that more F-16s would soon appear in Ukrainian skies, and that Ukraine would also receive a new Patriot air defense system from Romania.

I had a fruitful phone conversation with the Minister of National Defense of Romania, @AngelTilvar.

The main topic is strengthening Ukrainian skies' protection from russian missiles and drones.

Ukraine will soon receive a new Patriot air defense system from our Romanian…

— Rustem Umerov (@rustem_umerov) September 12, 2024

Romania is funding the training of Ukrainian pilots at the Feteşti Air Base, where Romanian pilots are also being trained. The training center, opened in November 2023, was established in collaboration with allies and Lockheed Martin.