Romania set to become NATO’s largest base and Ukraine aid hub, media says
Photo: Romania to turn NATO base into a hub for aid to Ukraine (facebook.com baza57aeriana)
Romania plans to increase the number of NATO troops at the Mihail Kogălniceanu base. The facility will become a hub for arms deliveries to Ukraine, Digi24 reports.
The military base in Constanta, Romania, may become NATO's main strategic facility in Europe. The number of Alliance troops stationed there will be greater than originally planned.
The base will accommodate 10,000 soldiers. However, Digi24 sources note that an additional 10,000 troops could be temporarily stationed there.
Role for Ukraine
The base will become one of the key hubs for supporting Ukraine. Missiles, ammunition, and armored vehicles will be stored there and then transferred to Kyiv when safe routes are available.
Thus, the facility will become an important element of NATO's logistics for assisting the Ukrainian army.
Cost and modernization
The Mihai Kogălniceanu project is considered one of the most expensive for the Romanian army. It is planned to spend €2.5 billion on its modernization.
The Romanian government expects to receive about €400 million from the European Commission. If the work is completed as planned, by 2040, the base will become the largest in Europe, surpassing Germany's Ramstein.
Romania's assistance
Romania is actively involved in training Ukrainian military personnel. A European training center for F-16 pilots has been established at the Fetești airbase, where Ukrainian, Romanian, and NATO pilots are trained.
In addition, Romania has transferred various types of weapons to Ukraine, including armored vehicles, howitzers, multiple launch rocket systems, ammunition, and grenade launchers. Romania has also transferred a Patriot battery to Ukraine.
Romania has also offered crucial international support corridors for Ukraine, making its national infrastructure available for Ukrainian exports, especially grain.
