The Romanian government has initiated a multibillion-euro expansion and modernization project at the Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base near Ukraine for new military equipment storage. The project, approved before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, aims to extend the base’s capabilities due to previous Russian aggressions.
The construction will include a new runway, a guard tower, and additional hangars to safeguard military assets. The estimated cost of the expansion is €2.5 billion (U.S. $2.7 billion). Romania is focusing on acquiring short-range and very-short-range air defense systems, planning to spend up to $2.1 billion.
The air base, less than 200 kilometers (124 miles) from the Ukrainian border, has strategic importance for Romania and its NATO allies. It has hosted several NATO-run Enhanced Air Policing missions, including the deployment of Finnish F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets this year. The location’s proximity to the Black Sea and Russian territory makes it an essential asset for projecting force over long distances.
The modernization effort at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base reportedly aims to create a military installation similar in size to Ramstein Air Base in Germany, enhancing Romania’s defense capabilities and regional security.
