Albania, a NATO country, unveiled a modernized air base from the Soviet era, marking the first of its kind in the Western Balkans.
Located in the small town of Kucova, 85 kilometers south of Tirana, the base is set to become a key center for operations, training, and hosting various fighter aircraft.
Prime Minister Edi Rama celebrated the reopening of the base, which had been inactive since 2005, highlighting its significance for the region’s security amidst potential threats from Russia.
The ceremony featured a flyover by two U.S. F-16 and two F-35 jets from Italy’s Aviano Air Base, with two Eurofighters making a landing.
The base’s refurbishment, funded by NATO with approximately €50 million, included updates to the control tower, runways, hangars, and storage areas.
NATO’s acting spokesperson, Dylan White, emphasized the strategic value of the Kucova air base renovation, underscoring NATO’s commitment to reinforcing its presence in the strategically crucial Western Balkans.
“The airbase will serve as an important NATO air hub,” said White. “The makeover of Kuçova airbase is a strategic investment and shows that NATO continues to strengthen its presence in the Western Balkans, an area of strategic importance to the Alliance.”
Additionally, Rama mentioned ongoing discussions with NATO about a potential naval base in western Albania. Albania, which became a NATO member in 2009, is also vying for EU membership.
Approximately 20,000 soldiers from ten NATO member countries are set to cross the Vistula River, Poland’s longest river, on Monday as part of an exercise aimed at deterring Russia.
The “Dragon 24” exercises are scheduled to take place near the town of Korzennyovo, roughly 100 kilometers south of Gdansk, with Poland contributing around 15,000 troops to the drills, according to Warsaw.
The Polish Armed Forces stated that the river crossing, including the construction of a pontoon bridge, would test the ability of land, naval, air, and electronic forces to work together during a significant military crisis.
