Romania to host major NATO military base

Written by Sophie Ritzenthaler | March 25, 2024

Romania Military Humvees

Romania will host the biggest NATO base in Europe by 2030. The military base at Mihil Kogqlniceanu, Constanta is located in the Southeast region of Romania. The base will undergo an expansion and modernization expected to surpass the Ramstein Base in Germany. Romania has invested heavily in its defense capabilities. Its 2024 fiscal year defense budget is expected to increase by 45%  from last year. This is primarily to modernize its equipment and weaponry. 

The base will serve to increase NATO’s presence in the Black Sea making Romania a crucial asset in the strategic architecture of the region. This will help counter Russian dominance of the region as deploying assets will require fewer logistical challenges. Construction on road improvement and high-capacity electrical networks has already started. It is expected to house 10,000 troops and civilians. Additionally, the existing runway will be doubled in size and served by fuel depots. An additional runway will be constructed which will connect multipurpose hangars for various types of jets and drones. The estimated cost of the project is 2.7 billion U.S. dollars. The actions come as Russia persists in its unjustified invasion of Ukraine. This  NATO response aims to prepare the theater for future operations and increase strategic positioning against Russia.