Romania bought 18 F-16 fighter jets. They paid 1 euro for them.

The Romanian Ministry of National Defence has signed a contract to acquire 18 F-16 aircraft from the Netherlands for a symbolic amount of one euro.

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"The Ministry of National Defense signed a contract today for the acquisition of 18 F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and their equipment from the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This is an important step in the development of the European F-16 Training Center in Fetesti, which has become a regional hub for training NATO and partner pilots ," Defense Minister Ionuț Mosteanu said on Monday, as quoted by the Romania Journal.

The minister added that the 18 aircraft will be used exclusively for training and exercises . The Romanian center will also be used to train pilots from Ukraine transitioning to the F-16. Reinforcing the Romanian fleet with training aircraft shortens the training path and increases the center's capacity, which is seen as a positive for Kyiv.

"This is a wise investment in training, cooperation, and the future. This project reflects the trust our Dutch partners have placed in us and the recognition of the professionalism of the Romanian Air Force. I thank everyone involved—the technical teams, the procurement experts, and the Dutch partners—for their diligence and the speed with which they completed this process," the minister added.

He also stated that "Romania continues to invest in defense, strong partnerships, and well-trained personnel." According to the minister, "the F-16 represents security, cooperation, and a step closer to the next stage – the integration of the F-35 into the Romanian Air Force."

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