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RoAF 86th Air Base: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 44°23′44″N 027°43′32″E / 44.39556°N 27.72556°E / 44.39556; 27.72556
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{{Short description|Air base in Borcea, Romania}}
{{Infobox military installation
{{Infobox military installation
|name=RoAF 86th Air Base
|name=RoAF 86th Air Base
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|image= F-15E Strike Eagles and F-16 aircraft from the Romanian Air Force.jpg
|image= F-15E Strike Eagles and F-16 aircraft from the Romanian Air Force.jpg
|image_size=
|image_size=
|caption= [[F-15E Strike Eagle]]s of the [[336th Fighter Squadron]] and Romanian F-16s parked at the base in 2021
|caption= [[McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle|F-15E Strike Eagles]] of the [[336th Fighter Squadron]] and Romanian [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16s]] parked at the base in 2021
|image2= Baza 86 aeriana - 2019.png
|image2= Baza 86 aeriana - 2019.png
|image2_size= 200px
|image2_size= 200px
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|type=
|type=
|code=
|code=
|built=1958
|built=1939
|builder=
|builder=
|materials=
|materials=
|height=
|height=
|used=1958-Present
|used=1939–Present
|demolished=
|demolished=
|condition=
|condition=
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|garrison=
|garrison=
|current_commander=[[Romanian Air Force#Ranks and insignia|General de flotilă aeriană]] Iulian Pațilea
|current_commander=[[Romanian Air Force#Ranks and insignia|General de flotilă aeriană]] Iulian Pațilea
|occupants=[[53rd Fighter Squadron "Warhawks"]]
|occupants=*[[53rd Fighter Squadron "Warhawks"]]
|battles=
|battles=
|events=
|events=
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}}
}}


The '''[[Romanian Air Force]] 86th Air Base "Lieutenant Aviator Gheorghe Mociorniță"''' ({{lang-ro|Baza 86 Aeriană "Locotenent aviator Gheorghe Mociorniță"}}) is located in [[Communes of Romania|commune]] [[Borcea]], [[Călărași County]] near the town of [[Fetești]].<ref name="adevarul">{{cite web|url=https://adevarul.ro/stiri-locale/calarasi/baza-86-aeriana-borcea-70-de-ani-de-existenta-2208856.html|title=Baza 86 Aeriană Borcea, 70 de ani de existență. Aici sunt găzduite avioanele de luptă F-16|language=ro|author=Ionela Stănilă|work=[[Adevărul]]|date=29 September 2022}}</ref> It is currently the home of the [[53rd Fighter Squadron "Warhawks"|53rd Fighter Squadron]] (operating [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|Lockheed Martin F-16]]s).
The [[Romanian Air Force]] '''86th Air Base "Lieutenant Aviator Gheorghe Mociorniță"''' ({{langx|ro|Baza 86 Aeriană "Locotenent aviator Gheorghe Mociorniță"}}), also known as Fetești or Borcea Air Base, is located in [[Communes of Romania|commune]] [[Borcea]], [[Călărași County]] near the town of [[Fetești]].<ref name="adevarul">{{cite web|url=https://adevarul.ro/stiri-locale/calarasi/baza-86-aeriana-borcea-70-de-ani-de-existenta-2208856.html|title=Baza 86 Aeriană Borcea, 70 de ani de existență. Aici sunt găzduite avioanele de luptă F-16|language=ro|author=Ionela Stănilă|newspaper=[[Adevărul]]|date=29 September 2022}}</ref> It is currently the home of the [[53rd Fighter Squadron "Warhawks"|53rd Fighter Squadron]] (operating [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcons]]).


The current commander of the base is ''[[Romanian Air Force#Ranks and insignia|General de flotilă aeriană]]'' Iulian Pațilea.<ref name="roaf"/>
The current commander of the base is ''[[Romanian Air Force#Ranks and insignia|General de flotilă aeriană]]'' Iulian Pațilea.<ref name="roaf"/>


==History==
==History==
On the current grounds of the airbase, a military aerodrome was established in 1939 following an order of the General Staff. Known as the Cocargeaua aerodrome, it was to be used as a reserve landing and deployment base of the [[Royal Romanian Air Force]] during [[World War II]]. In 1940, wooden barracks, and fuel storage facilities were built on the airfield. Over the years, the name of the base varied between Cocargeaua, Bărăganu, Borcea, and Fetești.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://adevarul.ro/stiri-locale/slobozia/americanii-au-ajuns-in-baragan-nato-investeste-32-1720848.html|title=Americanii au ajuns în Bărăgan: NATO investește 32 de milioane de euro în reabilitarea Bazei Aeriene 86 Fetești|language=ro|author=Mădălin Sofronie|newspaper=Adevărul|date=6 July 2016}}</ref> In February 1944, the 51st Fighter Squadron of the 5th Fighter Group was moved to the Cocargeaua aerodrome and began flying interception missions against [[USAAF]] bombers with [[Bf 109E]] and [[IAR 80]] fighters starting in April. After [[1944 Romanian coup d'état|23 August 1944]], the 52nd Fighter Squadron also joined the 51st at Cocargeaua where the 5th Group remained until the end of the war.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.worldwar2.ro/arr/?article=443|title=5th Fighter Group|work=WorldWar2.ro |last=Nițu |first=Victor }}</ref>
⚫
On 9 August 1958, the 206th Tactical Fighter Aviation Regiment, equipped with [[MiG-17PF]] fighters, together with the 499th Technical Base are moved to the Cocargeaua (today Borcea) aerodrome and received a squadron of [[MiG-19]] aircraft. The unit was first formed in the spring of 1952 on the [[Deveselu Military Base|Deveselu airfield]], then moved several times to [[Ianca Air Base|Ianca]], then to [[Henri Coandă International Airport|Otopeni]]. Since 1959, the 206th Tactical Fighter Aviation Regiment has been subordinated to the 15th Tactical Fighter Aviation Division and received a new name - the 86th Fighter Aviation Regiment.<ref name="roaf">{{cite web|url=https://www.roaf.ro/?p=2324|title=Baza 86 Aeriană|language=ro|website=roaf.ro}}</ref>


⚫
During the [[Soviet occupation of Romania]], the aerodrome was used as a base by the [[Soviet Air Forces]] until 1958.<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Petre|last=Opriș|url=https://stindard.ro/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/1958.-PLECAREA-ARMATEI-SOVIETICE-DIN-ROM%C3%82NIA-%C3%8ENTRE-MIT-%C5%9EI-REALITATE.pdf|title=1958. Plecarea armatei sovietice din România – între mit și realitate|language=ro|magazine=Anuarul Muzeului Marinei Române 2002|place=Constanța|date=2003|pages=391–398}}</ref> On 9 August 1958, the 206th Tactical Fighter Aviation Regiment, equipped with [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17|MiG-17PF]] fighters, together with the 499th Technical Base were moved to Cocargeaua and received a squadron of [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19|MiG-19]] aircraft. The unit was first formed in the spring of 1952 on the [[Deveselu Military Base|Deveselu airfield]], then moved several times to [[Ianca Air Base|Ianca]], then to [[RoAF 90th Airlift Base|Otopeni]]. From 1959, the 206th Tactical Fighter Aviation Regiment was subordinated to the 15th Tactical Fighter Aviation Division and received a new name - the 86th Fighter Aviation Regiment.<ref name="roaf">{{cite web|url=https://www.roaf.ro/?p=2324|title=Baza 86 Aeriană|language=ro|website=www.roaf.ro}}</ref>
⚫
In 1967, an important change took place in the 86th Fighter Aviation Regiment, with the introduction of a new type of [[MiG-21F-13]] fighter jet. Thus, the 86th Fighter Aviation Regiment was fully equipped with supersonic aircraft: two squadrons with MiG-21F-13 and one squadron with MiG-19.

⚫
In 1967, an important change took place in the 86th Fighter Aviation Regiment, with the introduction of the new [[List of Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 variants|MiG-21F-13]] fighter jet. Thus, the 86th Fighter Aviation Regiment was fully equipped with supersonic aircraft: two squadrons with MiG-21F-13 and one squadron with MiG-19.


===After 1989===
===After 1989===
In 1995, the 86th Fighter Aviation Regiment turned into the 86th Fighter Aviation Group and the 86th Fighter and Fighter Bomber Air Base. At the same time, the 86th Fighter Aviation Group was awarded the honorary title "Lieutenant Aviator {{ill|Gheorghe Mociorniță|ro|Gheorghe Mociorniță}}".<ref name="roaf"/>
In 1995, the 86th Fighter Aviation Regiment turned into the 86th Fighter Aviation Group and the 86th Fighter and Fighter Bomber Air Base. At the same time, the 86th Fighter Aviation Group was given the honorary name "Lieutenant Aviator {{ill|Gheorghe Mociorniță|ro}}".<ref name="roaf"/>


Starting in 1997, a squadron at the 86th Air base began intensive training, in order to become capable of carrying out joint missions with [[NATO]] forces. A special training program was initiated, aiming at a higher level of interoperability, and for this purpose the Fighter-Bomber Squadron was fully equipped with [[MiG-21 LanceR]]s.<ref name="roaf"/> Between 2013 and 2015, the base was modernized to NATO standards. Facilities were also built to accommodate the F-16 fighters.<ref name="adevarul"/> Since 2016, it is the home base of the [[53rd Fighter Squadron "Warhawks"|53rd Fighter Squadron]], the first Romanian Air Force squadron equipped with F-16s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uct-media.com/2016/09/se-reinfiinteaza-escadrila-lui-horia.html|title=Se reinfiinteaza escadrila lui Horia Agarici - 53 Warhawks|language=ro|work=UCT Media|date=29 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022133134/https://www.uct-media.com/2016/09/se-reinfiinteaza-escadrila-lui-horia.html|archive-date=22 October 2021}}</ref> By the end of 2000, as a result of the Romanian Air Force reform, the structure of the 86th Air Base changed again. The 86th Air base has now a modular structure, fitting NATO's airbase model and offering a real background for achieving appropriate interoperability at this level, with the declared purpose to provide the necessary basis to plan, organize, command, and accomplish the missions assigned.
Starting in 1997, a squadron at the 86th Air base began intensive training, in order to become capable of carrying out joint missions with [[NATO]] forces. A special training program was initiated, aiming at a higher level of interoperability, and for this purpose the Fighter-Bomber Squadron was fully equipped with [[List of Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 variants|MiG-21 LanceRs]].<ref name="roaf"/> By the end of 2000, as a result of the Romanian Air Force reform, the structure of the 86th Air Base changed again. The 86th Air base has now a modular structure, fitting NATO's airbase model and offering a real background for achieving appropriate interoperability at this level, with the declared purpose to provide the necessary basis to plan, organize, command, and accomplish the missions assigned.


Between 2013 and 2015, the base was modernized to NATO standards. Facilities were also built to accommodate the F-16 fighters.<ref name="adevarul"/> Since 2016, it is the home base of the [[53rd Fighter Squadron "Warhawks"|53rd Fighter Squadron]], the first Romanian Air Force squadron equipped with F-16s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uct-media.com/2016/09/se-reinfiinteaza-escadrila-lui-horia.html|title=Se reînființează escadrila lui Horia Agarici - 53 Warhawks|language=ro|work=UCT Media|date=29 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022133134/https://www.uct-media.com/2016/09/se-reinfiinteaza-escadrila-lui-horia.html|archive-date=22 October 2021}}</ref>
⚫
In February 2022, hours after the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russian invasion of Ukraine]], two [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35 Lightning II]] aircraft of the [[United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa|United States Air Forces in Europe]] landed at the 86th Air Base, in support of the NATO mission.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.romaniajournal.ro/society-people/f-35-fighter-jets-sent-by-the-usa-to-romania/|title=F-35 Fighter Jets, Sent By The USA To Romania|newspaper=Romania Journal|date=February 24, 2022|access-date=February 25, 2022}}</ref> The MiG-21 LanceR was officially retired on 15 May 2023. Ceremonies were held at the [[RoAF 71st Air Base|71st Air Base]] and at the 86th Air Base. The MiGs were then flown to the [[RoAF 95th Air Base|95th Air Base]] in [[Bacău]] for storage.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newsweek.ro/actualitate/video-ceremonie-de-retragere-a-aeronavelor-mig-21-lancer-f-16-preia-responsabilitatea-deplina|title=Ceremonie de retragere a aeronavelor MiG-21. LanceR. F-16 preia responsabilitatea deplină|language=ro|website=newsweek.ro|date=15 May 2023}}</ref>


The MiG-21 LanceR was officially retired on 15 May 2023. Ceremonies were held at the [[RoAF 71st Air Base|71st Air Base]] and at the 86th Air Base. The MiGs were then flown to the [[RoAF 95th Air Base|95th Air Base]] in [[Bacău]] for storage.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newsweek.ro/actualitate/video-ceremonie-de-retragere-a-aeronavelor-mig-21-lancer-f-16-preia-responsabilitatea-deplina|title=Ceremonie de retragere a aeronavelor MiG-21. LanceR. F-16 preia responsabilitatea deplină|language=ro|website=newsweek.ro|date=15 May 2023}}</ref>
==F-16 training center==

==Foreign deployments==
[[File:F-35 and F-16 fighters at RoAF 86th Air Base.jpg|thumb|F-35s of the [[388th Fighter Wing]] and F-16s of the 480th Fighter Squadron at the base in 2022]]
The first US deployment at the base took place in 2021 when the [[336th Fighter Squadron]] arrived to conduct exercise Castle Forge.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ro.usembassy.gov/strike-eagles-conquer-castle-forge-phase-two-with-nato-allies/|title=Strike Eagles Conquer Castle Forge Phase Two with NATO Allies|website=usembassy.gov|date=8 November 2021}}</ref> In February 2022, eight F-16s of the [[480th Fighter Squadron]] were deployed to the base to conduct enhanced Air Policing missions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/u-s-jets-deployed-to-poland-romania-prepared-to-scramble-in-support-of-nato-baltic-air-policing/|title=U.S. Jets Deployed to Poland, Romania Are 'Prepared to Scramble' in Support of NATO Air Policing|author=Abraham Mahshie|website=airandspaceforces.com|date=11 February 2022}}</ref> The F-16s participated in enhanced Air Policing activities for a three-month period, until they were replaced by the [[510th Fighter Squadron]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spangdahlem.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3020588/f-16-fighting-falcons-return-from-romania/|title=F-16 Fighting Falcons return from Romania|website= spangdahlem.af.mil|date=May 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7173638/510th-efs-flies-first-missions-fetesti-romania|title=510th EFS flies first missions from Fetesti Romania|author=Nathan Lipscomb|work=[[DVIDS]]|date=April 30, 2022}}</ref>

⚫
Hours after the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russian invasion of Ukraine]] on 24 February, two [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35 Lightning II]] aircraft of the [[United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa|United States Air Forces in Europe]] landed at the 86th Air Base, in support of the NATO mission.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.romaniajournal.ro/society-people/f-35-fighter-jets-sent-by-the-usa-to-romania/|title=F-35 Fighter Jets, Sent By The USA To Romania|newspaper=Romania Journal|date=February 24, 2022|access-date=February 25, 2022}}</ref>

Other fighter detachments deployed at the base on three-month rotations in support of the enhanced Air Policing mission included [[Dassault Rafale]]s of the [[French Air and Space Force]] starting from October 2023, and F-16s of the [[Turkish Air Force]] starting from December 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aviatiamagazin.com/aviatie-militara/3-avioane-rafale-au-fost-dislocate-pe-baza-de-la-borcea/|title=3 avioane Rafale au fost dislocate pe baza de la Borcea|author=Marius Doroftei|language=ro|website=aviatiamagazin.com|date=17 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.trtworld.com/turkiye/turkish-f-16s-to-take-part-in-natos-air-policing-mission-in-romania-17427750|title=Turkish F-16s to take part in NATO's air policing mission in Romania|website=trtworld.com|date=2024-03-08}}</ref>

==European F-16 Training Center==
{{also|F-16 training coalition}}
{{also|F-16 training coalition}}
[[File:Dutch F-16 in Romania.jpg|thumb|Aircraft of the EFTC at the base]]
In July 2023, it was announced that the [[F-16]] training center intended for Romanian, [[Ukraine|Ukrainian]] and other NATO pilots is to be located at the 86th Air Base. The hub is supported by [[F-16 training coalition|an international coalition]] which was formed during the [[2023 Vilnius summit]]. [[Lockheed Martin]], and its subcontractor [[Draken International]] will also participate in the project. It is to be organized by Romania, the [[Netherlands]], and the company Draken International. Romania provides the base infrastructure, the Netherlands is to provide the 18 F-16 aircraft for training,<ref>{{cite web|title=Primii opt piloți ucraineni de F-16 vor pilota aeronavele americane în vara lui 2024 |url=http://stiri.tvr.ro/washington-post-primii-pilo-i-ucraineni-de-f-16-in-vara-lui-2024_936972.html#view |author=Adelin Petrișor |language=ro |work=[[TVR (TV network)|TVR]] |date=12 August 2023}}</ref> while Draken International is to provide the instructors and technicians. The center is set to become operational at the end of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stiri.tvr.ro/centrul-pentru-pregatirea-pilotilor-de-f-16-de-la-fetesti-organizat-de-romania-olanda-si-o-companie-americana_934984.html#view|title=Centrul pentru pregătirea piloţilor de F-16 de la Fetești, organizat de România, Olanda şi o companie americană|author=Adelin Petrișor|language=ro|work=[[TVR (TV network)|TVR]]|date=14 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseromania.ro/seful-armatei-romaniei-hub-ul-pentru-f-16-va-fi-in-primul-rand-pentru-antrenarea-pilotilor-romani-romania-pune-la-punct-ultimele-detalii-inclusiv-cu-implicarea-lockheed-martin_623608.html|title=Șeful Armatei României: Hub-ul pentru F-16 va fi în primul rând pentru antrenarea piloților români. România pune la punct ultimele detalii, inclusiv cu implicarea Lockheed Martin|language=ro|work=DefenseRomania|date=15 July 2023}}</ref> The training center will first use the aircraft for refresher training of the hired F-16 instructors. This is to be followed by training of NATO and Ukrainian pilots. Training courses will only take place in NATO airspace.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2023/08/29/lockheed-martin-gaat-f16-trainingen-verzorgen-in-roemenie|title=Lockheed Martin gaat F-16-trainingen verzorgen in Roemenië|language=nl|work=defensie.nl|date=29 August 2023}}</ref>
In July 2023, it was announced that the [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16]] training center intended for Romanian, [[Ukraine|Ukrainian]], and other NATO pilots was to be located at the 86th Air Base. The hub is supported by [[F-16 training coalition|an international coalition]] which was formed during the [[2023 Vilnius summit]]. [[Lockheed Martin]] also participates in the project with several subcontractors. It is to be organized by Romania, the [[Netherlands]], and Lockheed Martin. Romania provides the base infrastructure, the Netherlands is to provide the 18 F-16 aircraft for training,<ref>{{cite web|title=Primii opt piloți ucraineni de F-16 vor pilota aeronavele americane în vara lui 2024 |url=http://stiri.tvr.ro/washington-post-primii-pilo-i-ucraineni-de-f-16-in-vara-lui-2024_936972.html#view |author=Adelin Petrișor |language=ro |work=[[TVR (TV network)|TVR]] |date=12 August 2023}}</ref> while the [[Flight instructor|instructors]], [[technician]]s, and [[logistics]] support are provided by [[Draken International]], {{ill|Gesellschaft für Flugzieldarstellung (GFD)|de|GFD Gesellschaft für Flugzieldarstellung}}, ILIAS Solutions, and Daedalus Aviation Group.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stiri.tvr.ro/centrul-pentru-pregatirea-pilotilor-de-f-16-de-la-fetesti-organizat-de-romania-olanda-si-o-companie-americana_934984.html#view|title=Centrul pentru pregătirea piloților de F-16 de la Fetești, organizat de România, Olanda și o companie americană|author=Adelin Petrișor|language=ro|work=[[TVR (TV network)|TVR]]|date=14 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseromania.ro/seful-armatei-romaniei-hub-ul-pentru-f-16-va-fi-in-primul-rand-pentru-antrenarea-pilotilor-romani-romania-pune-la-punct-ultimele-detalii-inclusiv-cu-implicarea-lockheed-martin_623608.html|title=Șeful Armatei României: Hub-ul pentru F-16 va fi în primul rând pentru antrenarea piloților români. România pune la punct ultimele detalii, inclusiv cu implicarea Lockheed Martin|language=ro|website=www.defenseromania.ro|date=15 July 2023}}</ref><ref name="AviatiaMag"/> The training center will first use the aircraft for refresher training of the hired F-16 instructors. This is to be followed by training of NATO and Ukrainian pilots. Training courses will only take place in NATO airspace.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2023/08/29/lockheed-martin-gaat-f16-trainingen-verzorgen-in-roemenie|title=Lockheed Martin gaat F-16-trainingen verzorgen in Roemenië|language=nl|website=www.defensie.nl|date=29 August 2023}}</ref>

On 29 August, a Letter of Intent for the establishment of the F-16 Training Center was signed by the [[Ministry of National Defence (Romania)|Romanian]] and [[Ministry of Defence (Netherlands)|Dutch]] Ministries of Defence, and Lockheed Martin during the Informal Meeting of EU Defence Ministers in [[Toledo, Spain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aviacionline.com/2023/08/f-16-training-center-established-in-romania-for-ukrainian-pilots-netherlands-lockheed-martin-set-to-collaborate/|title=F-16 Training Center Established in Romania for Ukrainian Pilots; Netherlands, Lockheed Martin Set to Collaborate|author=Pablo Díaz|website=www.aviacionline.com|date=30 August 2023}}</ref> The first five aircraft arrived at the base on 7 November, with the new European F-16 Training Center (EFTC) being inaugurated after an official ceremony on 13 November 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.mapn.ro/cpresa/6110_the-first-five-aircraft-of-the-european-f-16-training-center-landed-in-fete%C8%99ti|title=The first five aircraft of the European F-16 Training Center landed in Fetești|website=mapn.ro|date=7 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2023/11/07/nederlandse-f-16s-op-weg-naar-trainingscentrum-in-roemenie|title=Nederlandse F-16’s op weg naar trainingscentrum in Roemenië|language=nl|work=defensie.nl|date=7 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://kyivindependent.com/training-center-for-ukrainian-f-16-pilots-opens-in-romania/|title=Training center for Ukrainian F-16 pilots opens in Romania|author=Elsa Court|newspaper=[[The Kyiv Independent]]|date=13 November 2023}}</ref> The EFTC is commanded by a Romanian Air Force officer. The instructors are provided by Draken International from the [[United States]], while [[Airbus Defence and Space]] subsidiary GFD provides instructors from Europe.<ref name="AviatiaMag">{{cite web|url=https://www.aviatiamagazin.com/aviatie-militara/inaugurarea-centrului-european-de-instruire-f-16-din-romania-la-baza-86/|title=Inaugurarea Centrului European de Instruire F-16 din România, la Baza 86|language=ro| author=Horațiu Goanță|website=www.aviatiamagazin.com|date=14 November 2023}}</ref>

The center will provide five training modules:<ref name="AviatiaMag"/>
* Basic F-16 training for either new students, experienced fighter pilots on other aircraft, or for pilots already qualified on the F-16;
* [[Formation flying#Aviation|Flight lead]] training;
* F-16 instructor training;
* [[Night vision device]]s training;
* [[Targeting pod]] training.


According to General [[Onno Eichelsheim]], the [[Chief of Defence (Netherlands)|Dutch Chief of Defence]], Ukrainian pilots are to begin training in early 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/romania-debuts-f-16-center-hosts-ukrainian-pilots-for-joint-exercises/|title=Romania Debuts F-16 Center, Hosts Ukrainian Pilots for Joint Exercises|website=mil.in.ua|date=14 November 2023}}</ref> The first group of students that started training at the center in November 2023 was made up of seven Romanian former MiG-21 LanceR pilots.<ref name="AviatiaMag"/> They finished training in July 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tvrinfo.ro/ceremonie-la-baza-borcea-o-noua-serie-de-piloti-de-f-16-sunt-pregatiti-de-zbor/|title=Ceremonie la Baza Borcea. O nouă serie de piloți de F-16 sunt pregătiți de zbor|language=ro|website=tvrinfo.ro|date=26 July 2024}}</ref> Their training was not too difficult, since these pilots already spoke English and were familiar with NATO operating standards.<ref name="Jakes">{{cite news|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/world/europe/ukraine-f16-pilots.html|title=Ukraine Could Deploy F-16s as Soon as July, but Only a Few|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]| author=Lara Jakes|date=March 11, 2024|access-date=March 18, 2024}}</ref> In June 2024, the [[Romanian Government]] approved an emergency ordinance through which it will cover the training and accommodation expenses of the Ukrainian pilots at the base. Also in June, it was announced that the first ten Ukrainian pilots who completed training in France are to arrive in Romania to complete their training on the F-16.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseromania.ro/vin-primii-piloti-ucraineni-de-f-16-in-romania-dupa-ce-au-zburat-pe-alpha-jet-detalii-privind-numarul-pilotilor-si-stadiul-pregatirii-din-romania_628822.html|title=Vin primii piloți ucraineni de F-16 în România după ce au zburat pe Alpha Jet: Detalii privind numărul lor și stadiul pregătirii din România|work=DefenseRomania|language=ro|date=19 June 2024}}</ref> The first Ukrainian pilots arrived at the base for training in September 2024. This was announced by the [[Ministry of Defence (Ukraine)|Ukrainian Defense Minister]] [[Rustem Umerov]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/09/12/ukrainian-f-16-training-underway-in-romania/|title=Ukrainian F-16 training underway in Romania|author=Olena Mukhina|website=euromaidanpress.com|date=12 September 2024}}</ref>
On 29 August, a Letter of Intent for the establishment of the F-16 Training Center was singed by the [[Ministry of National Defence (Romania)|Romanian]] and [[Ministry of Defence (Netherlands)|Dutch]] Ministries of Defence, and Lockheed Martin during the Informal Meeting of EU Defence Ministers in [[Toledo, Spain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aviacionline.com/2023/08/f-16-training-center-established-in-romania-for-ukrainian-pilots-netherlands-lockheed-martin-set-to-collaborate/|title=F-16 Training Center Established in Romania for Ukrainian Pilots; Netherlands, Lockheed Martin Set to Collaborate|author=Pablo Díaz|work=Aviacionline|date=30 August 2023}}</ref>


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:US and Romanian personnel at the 86th AB.jpg|US airmen from the [[480th Fighter Squadron]] together with Romanian airmen at the base.
File:US and Romanian personnel at the 86th AB.jpg|US airmen from the [[480th Fighter Squadron]] together with Romanian airmen at the base.
File:F-35 landing at the Romanian 86th Air Base in 2022.jpg|An [[F-35]] of the [[34th Fighter Squadron]] landing at the base in February 2022.
File:F-35 landing at the Romanian 86th Air Base in 2022.jpg|An [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35]] of the [[34th Fighter Squadron]] landing at the base in February 2022.
File:NATO enhanced air policing operations in Romania, US F-16s.jpg|US F-16s parked at the base in 2022.
File:NATO enhanced air policing operations in Romania, US F-16s.jpg|US [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16s]] parked at the base in 2022.
File:Strike Eagles conquer Castle Forge alongside Romanian F-16s.jpg|[[McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle|F-15E]]s of the [[336th Fighter Squadron]] and Romanian F-16s during operation Castle Forge.
File:Strike Eagles conquer Castle Forge alongside Romanian F-16s.jpg|[[McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle|F-15E]]s of the [[336th Fighter Squadron]] and Romanian F-16s during operation Castle Forge.
File:Romanian F-16 during Operation Castle Forge.jpg|Romanian F-16 prepared for a sortie.
File:Romanian F-16 during Operation Castle Forge.jpg|Romanian F-16 prepared for a sortie.
File:F-16 being prepared for a crane lift.jpg|Romanian air force ground crews lifting an F-16 for maintenance.
File:F-16 being prepared for a crane lift.jpg|Romanian air force ground crews lifting an F-16 for maintenance.
File:Aeronave ale Forțelor Aeriene și Spațiale Franceze, în misiune la Baza 86 Aeriană Borcea.jpg|[[Dassault Rafale]] fighters of ''[[Escadron de Chasse 3/30 Lorraine]]'' at the base in October 2023.
</gallery>
</gallery>


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[[Category:Romanian Air Force bases|86]]
[[Category:Romanian Air Force bases|86]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Ialomița County]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Ialomița County]]
[[Category:1958 establishments in Romania]]
[[Category:1939 establishments in Romania]]

Latest revision as of 05:26, 15 November 2024

RoAF 86th Air Base
Baza 86 Aeriană "Locotenent aviator Gheorghe Mociorniță" Borcea
Borcea
Near Fetești in Romania
F-15E Strike Eagles of the 336th Fighter Squadron and Romanian F-16s parked at the base in 2021
Coat of arms of the 86th Air Base
Coordinates44°23′44″N 027°43′32″E / 44.39556°N 27.72556°E / 44.39556; 27.72556
Site information
Controlled by Romanian Air Force
Site history
Built1939
In use1939–Present
Garrison information
Current
commander		General de flotilă aeriană Iulian Pațilea
Occupants
Airfield information
IdentifiersICAO: LRFT
Elevation55 metres (180 ft) AMSL
Runways
Direction Length and surface
18/36 2,800 metres (9,186 ft) Asphalt

The Romanian Air Force 86th Air Base "Lieutenant Aviator Gheorghe Mociorniță" (Romanian: Baza 86 Aeriană "Locotenent aviator Gheorghe Mociorniță"), also known as Fetești or Borcea Air Base, is located in commune Borcea, Călărași County near the town of Fetești.[1] It is currently the home of the 53rd Fighter Squadron (operating F-16 Fighting Falcons).

The current commander of the base is General de flotilă aeriană Iulian Pațilea.[2]

History

[edit]

On the current grounds of the airbase, a military aerodrome was established in 1939 following an order of the General Staff. Known as the Cocargeaua aerodrome, it was to be used as a reserve landing and deployment base of the Royal Romanian Air Force during World War II. In 1940, wooden barracks, and fuel storage facilities were built on the airfield. Over the years, the name of the base varied between Cocargeaua, Bărăganu, Borcea, and Fetești.[3] In February 1944, the 51st Fighter Squadron of the 5th Fighter Group was moved to the Cocargeaua aerodrome and began flying interception missions against USAAF bombers with Bf 109E and IAR 80 fighters starting in April. After 23 August 1944, the 52nd Fighter Squadron also joined the 51st at Cocargeaua where the 5th Group remained until the end of the war.[4]

During the Soviet occupation of Romania, the aerodrome was used as a base by the Soviet Air Forces until 1958.[5] On 9 August 1958, the 206th Tactical Fighter Aviation Regiment, equipped with MiG-17PF fighters, together with the 499th Technical Base were moved to Cocargeaua and received a squadron of MiG-19 aircraft. The unit was first formed in the spring of 1952 on the Deveselu airfield, then moved several times to Ianca, then to Otopeni. From 1959, the 206th Tactical Fighter Aviation Regiment was subordinated to the 15th Tactical Fighter Aviation Division and received a new name - the 86th Fighter Aviation Regiment.[2]

In 1967, an important change took place in the 86th Fighter Aviation Regiment, with the introduction of the new MiG-21F-13 fighter jet. Thus, the 86th Fighter Aviation Regiment was fully equipped with supersonic aircraft: two squadrons with MiG-21F-13 and one squadron with MiG-19.

After 1989

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In 1995, the 86th Fighter Aviation Regiment turned into the 86th Fighter Aviation Group and the 86th Fighter and Fighter Bomber Air Base. At the same time, the 86th Fighter Aviation Group was given the honorary name "Lieutenant Aviator Gheorghe Mociorniță [ro]".[2]

Starting in 1997, a squadron at the 86th Air base began intensive training, in order to become capable of carrying out joint missions with NATO forces. A special training program was initiated, aiming at a higher level of interoperability, and for this purpose the Fighter-Bomber Squadron was fully equipped with MiG-21 LanceRs.[2] By the end of 2000, as a result of the Romanian Air Force reform, the structure of the 86th Air Base changed again. The 86th Air base has now a modular structure, fitting NATO's airbase model and offering a real background for achieving appropriate interoperability at this level, with the declared purpose to provide the necessary basis to plan, organize, command, and accomplish the missions assigned.

Between 2013 and 2015, the base was modernized to NATO standards. Facilities were also built to accommodate the F-16 fighters.[1] Since 2016, it is the home base of the 53rd Fighter Squadron, the first Romanian Air Force squadron equipped with F-16s.[6]

The MiG-21 LanceR was officially retired on 15 May 2023. Ceremonies were held at the 71st Air Base and at the 86th Air Base. The MiGs were then flown to the 95th Air Base in Bacău for storage.[7]

Foreign deployments

[edit]
F-35s of the 388th Fighter Wing and F-16s of the 480th Fighter Squadron at the base in 2022

The first US deployment at the base took place in 2021 when the 336th Fighter Squadron arrived to conduct exercise Castle Forge.[8] In February 2022, eight F-16s of the 480th Fighter Squadron were deployed to the base to conduct enhanced Air Policing missions.[9] The F-16s participated in enhanced Air Policing activities for a three-month period, until they were replaced by the 510th Fighter Squadron.[10][11]

Hours after the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, two F-35 Lightning II aircraft of the United States Air Forces in Europe landed at the 86th Air Base, in support of the NATO mission.[12]

Other fighter detachments deployed at the base on three-month rotations in support of the enhanced Air Policing mission included Dassault Rafales of the French Air and Space Force starting from October 2023, and F-16s of the Turkish Air Force starting from December 2023.[13][14]

European F-16 Training Center

[edit]
See also: F-16 training coalition
Aircraft of the EFTC at the base

In July 2023, it was announced that the F-16 training center intended for Romanian, Ukrainian, and other NATO pilots was to be located at the 86th Air Base. The hub is supported by an international coalition which was formed during the 2023 Vilnius summit. Lockheed Martin also participates in the project with several subcontractors. It is to be organized by Romania, the Netherlands, and Lockheed Martin. Romania provides the base infrastructure, the Netherlands is to provide the 18 F-16 aircraft for training,[15] while the instructors, technicians, and logistics support are provided by Draken International, Gesellschaft für Flugzieldarstellung (GFD) [de], ILIAS Solutions, and Daedalus Aviation Group.[16][17][18] The training center will first use the aircraft for refresher training of the hired F-16 instructors. This is to be followed by training of NATO and Ukrainian pilots. Training courses will only take place in NATO airspace.[19]

On 29 August, a Letter of Intent for the establishment of the F-16 Training Center was signed by the Romanian and Dutch Ministries of Defence, and Lockheed Martin during the Informal Meeting of EU Defence Ministers in Toledo, Spain.[20] The first five aircraft arrived at the base on 7 November, with the new European F-16 Training Center (EFTC) being inaugurated after an official ceremony on 13 November 2023.[21][22][23] The EFTC is commanded by a Romanian Air Force officer. The instructors are provided by Draken International from the United States, while Airbus Defence and Space subsidiary GFD provides instructors from Europe.[18]

The center will provide five training modules:[18]

  • Basic F-16 training for either new students, experienced fighter pilots on other aircraft, or for pilots already qualified on the F-16;
  • Flight lead training;
  • F-16 instructor training;
  • Night vision devices training;
  • Targeting pod training.

According to General Onno Eichelsheim, the Dutch Chief of Defence, Ukrainian pilots are to begin training in early 2024.[24] The first group of students that started training at the center in November 2023 was made up of seven Romanian former MiG-21 LanceR pilots.[18] They finished training in July 2024.[25] Their training was not too difficult, since these pilots already spoke English and were familiar with NATO operating standards.[26] In June 2024, the Romanian Government approved an emergency ordinance through which it will cover the training and accommodation expenses of the Ukrainian pilots at the base. Also in June, it was announced that the first ten Ukrainian pilots who completed training in France are to arrive in Romania to complete their training on the F-16.[27] The first Ukrainian pilots arrived at the base for training in September 2024. This was announced by the Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.[28]

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Ionela Stănilă (29 September 2022). "Baza 86 Aeriană Borcea, 70 de ani de existență. Aici sunt găzduite avioanele de luptă F-16". Adevărul (in Romanian).
  2. ^ a b c d "Baza 86 Aeriană". www.roaf.ro (in Romanian).
  3. ^ Mădălin Sofronie (6 July 2016). "Americanii au ajuns în Bărăgan: NATO investește 32 de milioane de euro în reabilitarea Bazei Aeriene 86 Fetești". Adevărul (in Romanian).
  4. ^ Nițu, Victor. "5th Fighter Group". WorldWar2.ro.
  5. ^ Opriș, Petre (2003). "1958. Plecarea armatei sovietice din România – între mit și realitate" (PDF). Anuarul Muzeului Marinei Române 2002 (in Romanian). Constanța. pp. 391–398.
  6. ^ "Se reînființează escadrila lui Horia Agarici - 53 Warhawks". UCT Media (in Romanian). 29 September 2016. Archived from the original on 22 October 2021.
  7. ^ "Ceremonie de retragere a aeronavelor MiG-21. LanceR. F-16 preia responsabilitatea deplină". newsweek.ro (in Romanian). 15 May 2023.
  8. ^ "Strike Eagles Conquer Castle Forge Phase Two with NATO Allies". usembassy.gov. 8 November 2021.
  9. ^ Abraham Mahshie (11 February 2022). "U.S. Jets Deployed to Poland, Romania Are 'Prepared to Scramble' in Support of NATO Air Policing". airandspaceforces.com.
  10. ^ "F-16 Fighting Falcons return from Romania". spangdahlem.af.mil. May 5, 2022.
  11. ^ Nathan Lipscomb (April 30, 2022). "510th EFS flies first missions from Fetesti Romania". DVIDS.
  12. ^ "F-35 Fighter Jets, Sent By The USA To Romania". Romania Journal. February 24, 2022. Retrieved February 25, 2022.
  13. ^ Marius Doroftei (17 October 2023). "3 avioane Rafale au fost dislocate pe baza de la Borcea". aviatiamagazin.com (in Romanian).
  14. ^ "Turkish F-16s to take part in NATO's air policing mission in Romania". trtworld.com. 2024-03-08.
  15. ^ Adelin Petrișor (12 August 2023). "Primii opt piloți ucraineni de F-16 vor pilota aeronavele americane în vara lui 2024". TVR (in Romanian).
  16. ^ Adelin Petrișor (14 July 2023). "Centrul pentru pregătirea piloților de F-16 de la Fetești, organizat de România, Olanda și o companie americană". TVR (in Romanian).
  17. ^ "Șeful Armatei României: Hub-ul pentru F-16 va fi în primul rând pentru antrenarea piloților români. România pune la punct ultimele detalii, inclusiv cu implicarea Lockheed Martin". www.defenseromania.ro (in Romanian). 15 July 2023.
  18. ^ a b c d Horațiu Goanță (14 November 2023). "Inaugurarea Centrului European de Instruire F-16 din România, la Baza 86". www.aviatiamagazin.com (in Romanian).
  19. ^ "Lockheed Martin gaat F-16-trainingen verzorgen in Roemenië". www.defensie.nl (in Dutch). 29 August 2023.
  20. ^ Pablo Díaz (30 August 2023). "F-16 Training Center Established in Romania for Ukrainian Pilots; Netherlands, Lockheed Martin Set to Collaborate". www.aviacionline.com.
  21. ^ "The first five aircraft of the European F-16 Training Center landed in Fetești". mapn.ro. 7 November 2023.
  22. ^ "Nederlandse F-16's op weg naar trainingscentrum in Roemenië". defensie.nl (in Dutch). 7 November 2023.
  23. ^ Elsa Court (13 November 2023). "Training center for Ukrainian F-16 pilots opens in Romania". The Kyiv Independent.
  24. ^ "Romania Debuts F-16 Center, Hosts Ukrainian Pilots for Joint Exercises". mil.in.ua. 14 November 2023.
  25. ^ "Ceremonie la Baza Borcea. O nouă serie de piloți de F-16 sunt pregătiți de zbor". tvrinfo.ro (in Romanian). 26 July 2024.
  26. ^ Lara Jakes (March 11, 2024). "Ukraine Could Deploy F-16s as Soon as July, but Only a Few". The New York Times. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
  27. ^ "Vin primii piloți ucraineni de F-16 în România după ce au zburat pe Alpha Jet: Detalii privind numărul lor și stadiul pregătirii din România". DefenseRomania (in Romanian). 19 June 2024.
  28. ^ Olena Mukhina (12 September 2024). "Ukrainian F-16 training underway in Romania". euromaidanpress.com.
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