Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base expansion to create largest NATO base in Europe

The Romanian government is initiating a major expansion and modernization project for the 57th Air Base ‘Mihail Kogălniceanu’. The strategic investment, estimated at 2.5 billion euros, aims to transform the facility into what is projected to be the largest NATO military base in Europe.

The project is designed to be completed in four stages over approximately 20 years, with a target completion around 2040 depending on budget allocations. Once finished, the base is expected to cover roughly 2,300 hectares and possess the infrastructure to house up to 20,000 military personnel. The development is envisioned as a self-sustaining military city, including residential spaces, a school, a kindergarten, a hospital, shops, and administrative buildings.

Initial phases involve the decommissioning and demolition of several existing structures to clear land for new construction. This includes the removal of various pavilions and a 5,300-square-meter concrete aircraft platform. The modernization will also feature a new runway, flight control points, aircraft maintenance hangars, and advanced radio-navigation and lighting systems. The project is funded by the Romanian Ministry of National Defence.