Romania Commences €2.5 Billion Modernization of Strategic Air Base Close to Ukraine

Bucharest: Romania has initiated a major expansion and modernization project at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, near the Ukrainian border. The project, worth billions of euros, aims to enhance military capabilities and store new equipment, responding to increased regional threats. Romanian Defence Minister Angel Tîlvăr announced the initiative on June 11 during a ceremony at the base, located just 200 kilometres from Ukraine.

The base, housing U.S. capabilities since 1999, will see significant infrastructure upgrades. This includes constructing a new runway, a guard tower, and additional hangars for existing and future military assets. The decision to expand the base was made before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Strategic Expansion Amid Regional Tensions

Romania's plans to extend the Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base date back to Russia's 2008 invasion of Georgia and the 2014 annexation of Crimea. "Our plans have been approved since 2018," said Romanian Air Force Col. Nicolae Cretu during the NATO-led exercise Ramstein Legacy. The project reflects Romania's response to evolving security dynamics in Eastern Europe.

The modernization effort will cost approximately €2.5 billion ($2.7 billion). Romania has several acquisition programs focused on enhancing air defence systems, with expenditures expected to reach $2.1 billion. Last year, Romania received two additional Patriot batteries, totalling four, and is involved in procuring up to 1,000 Patriot PAC-2 GEM-T missiles under the European Sky Shield Initiative.

Enhancing NATO's Strategic Reach

The Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base has proven strategically significant for both Romania and NATO allies, especially during the Iraq war, where it served as a key projection point. The base’s strategic location near the Black Sea and proximity to Russian territory makes it crucial for NATO's Enhanced Air Policing missions. This year marked the first deployment of Finnish F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets at the base, further underscoring its strategic importance.

Romanian media reported that the modernization project aims to develop a military installation comparable in size to Ramstein Air Base in Germany. However, Col. Cretu did not confirm this aspiration, focusing instead on the ongoing enhancements that will bolster the base’s operational capabilities.

Strengthening Regional Defense Capabilities  

Romania's modernization efforts at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base highlight its commitment to strengthening national and regional defence. The construction of new facilities and the integration of advanced military equipment are key components of this strategy. The base's expansion underscores Romania's proactive measures in response to regional security challenges.

As the modernization project progresses, the Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base is set to become an even more critical asset for NATO operations and Romania's defence posture. The upgrades will enhance the base’s ability to host and support a wide range of military operations, ensuring that it remains a pivotal point for projecting force and maintaining regional stability.