NATO uses an airbase in the Western Balkans dating back to the Soviet era

The AP news agency (US) said this means a NATO base will be present in the western Balkans by 2023.

Since January, an upgrade to the air base called Kucove has been underway. Kucove is located 85 km south of the capital Tirana. This air base was built in the 50s of the last century.

NATO and Albania are expected to spend 50 million euros on Kucove. This air base can be put into operation from the end of 2023.

Former MiG-19 pilot who worked at Kucove for 27 years, Viktor Vangjeli believes that turning Kucove base into a NATO operating site will benefit the next generation of Albanian pilots when they Trained to fly modern fighter jets.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Albania’s air force also used 200 MiG fighters of various types at 3 air bases. Most of these fighters are “retired”.

Military spending is on the rise in many European countries and the Balkans is no exception. Albania’s air force currently owns a number of Cougar helicopters and is hoping to add a few more Blackhawks.

Albania has been a NATO member since 2009 and it also has high hopes for joining the European Union (EU).