Albania welcomes inauguration of NATO’s first-ever tactical air base in Western Balkans

The base in Kucova would be a strategic point in NATO’s operations in defense of peace, says Albanian minister

NATO’s first tactical air base in the Western Balkans was inaugurated in Albania Monday.

Albanania’s President Bajram Begaj said at the opening ceremony that Kucova Tactical Air Base results from the cooperation, solidarity and coordination between the allies and the care the country pays to security and defense.

“Together, from this air base, we are sending a strong message of peace and NATO’s commitment to guaranteeing collective defense. We see the allies are determined to protect their freedom and security,” said Begaj.

Albanian Defense Minister Niko Peleshi said that the base in Kucova would be a strategic point in NATO’s operations in defense of peace.

”The reactivation of this military airport is also part of our air force’s revitalization and further qualitative growth.

The two new Blackhawk helicopters and theBayraktar drones are part of an expansion that will continue,” said Rama.

Prime Minister Edi Rama said the alliance is making efforts to prepare a new NATO naval base in Porto Romano as soon as possible.

During the ceremony, aircraft such as UAVs, planes and helicopters, including Turkish Bayraktar TB2 aremed drones, were exhibited and flights were held.

Field work was started in January 2022 to modernize the Tactical Air Base in Kucova.

The project includes the improvement of the air base’s runway, infrastructure for flight control and security, connection roads, and other auxiliary vehicles.

Source: AA