Romania on Monday opened the European F-16 Training Center, which will allow neighboring Ukraine to train pilots in the U.S.-made fighter jets it has asked for since the start of its war with Russia.

The training center is located at a Romanian air force base in Fetesti, about 86 miles east of Bucharest, the nation’s capital. It will serve as an international hub for F-16 pilot training and will facilitate interoperability among NATO member states and allies, Romanian defense officials said.

“This milestone enhances bilateral cooperation, strengthens allied security, prepares Romanian pilots for the upcoming F-16 fleet, and gives support to Ukraine,” Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tilvar said in a statement.

The training center will enhance NATO’s ability to “face the complex challenges posed in the Black Sea region and in Eastern Europe,” Romanian defense officials said.

According to the agreement, Romania will provide the base and host nation support, while the Netherlands will make available the F-16 aircraft. Defense contractor Lockheed Martin will provide instructors and maintenance for the fighter jets, officials said.

The U.S. was originally hesitant about providing F-16s to Ukraine, saying they would have been of little help to Kyiv in its counteroffensive against Moscow. But President Biden came around in May and endorsed the idea of F-16 training programs for Ukraine.

• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.