NATO begins construction of a 50 million euro airbase in Albania

According to information from NATO Command, this base will be one of NATO’s most modern air combat centers with advanced equipment, ensuring the ability to operate, repair and maintain all aircraft. Modern fighter aircraft.

The establishment of the Kucove airbase is of strategic significance for this bloc in ensuring security for the Western Balkans. According to the plan, the Kucove base will be put into use from the end of 2023.

Kucove is an airbase built by the Soviet Union in 1950, 85km south of Tirana, the capital of Albania, which has been abandoned for many years. According to the Albanian authorities, since the beginning of January this year, groups of NATO experts have begun to conduct surveys, set up a detailed plan to rebuild this military base and have been considered by the Albanian Government, approved last week.

Kucove’s conversion into a modern NATO combat center not only helps ensure alliance security but also creates favorable conditions for Albanian pilots to participate in training and access to modern jets. .‎ The Albanian Air Force currently has only a handful of older Cougar helicopters, no jets.‎

‎‎Albania has been a NATO member since 2009 and is working hard to join the European Union. Recently, the country joined the EU’s tough sanctions against Russia and strongly condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine.