The military installation situated at Mihail Kogalniceanu in Constanta, southeastern Romania, along the Black Sea coastline, is set to become Europe’s largest NATO military base, outstripping the size of the US military base in Ramstein, Germany.
This expansion signals Romania’s elevated role within NATO’s security framework and a bolstered presence in the strategically vital Black Sea region, currently dominated by Russian military influence.
By 2030, the revamped base will be capable of accommodating up to 10,000 soldiers and civilians.
Plans are underway for NATO and the US to transfer logistical and personnel resources from Ramstein to the Mihail Kogalniceanu base.
The extensive expansion project carries a price tag of $2.7 billion, with infrastructure enhancements such as access roads and a robust electrical network already in progress.
Romanian authorities have acquired 2,400 hectares of land from the localities of Mihail Kogalniceanu and Lumina, compensating landowners at a rate of 5,500 euros per hectare.
Commander Nicolae Cretu envisions a comprehensive community infrastructure project at Mihail Kogalniceanu, including social housing, schools, nurseries, pharmacies, and other essential amenities tailored to accommodate personnel and their families.
Encompassing nearly 3,000 hectares, the expanded base will surpass Ramstein’s 2,000 hectares in size.
Plans entail doubling the airport runway, establishing fuel depots, and constructing hangars for various aircraft types and drones. NATO’s blueprint also includes the addition of another runway.
In addition to its military functions, the Kogalniceanu base will feature educational institutions, childcare facilities, retail outlets, and a hospital to serve both military personnel and the local community.
General Virgil Balaceanu, President of the Association of Reserve Officers and former NATO representative in Brussels, stressed Romania’s proximity to the conflict in Ukraine and the need for defensive preparedness. Against this backdrop, he emphasized the imperative of bolstering Romania’s defence capabilities and deterrence posture.
Romania’s recent defence investments reflect this commitment, with a budget allocation of over 20 billion euros for the army in 2024, marking a 45% increase from 2023.
These funds primarily target the acquisition of modern weaponry. Over the next five years, Romania plans to invest nearly 320 billion lei in its military, equivalent to approximately 65 billion euros, underscoring its commitment to bolstering national security.
