NATO
Allied Air Command
January 3, 2023

Allied Air Forces work together to improve Romanian Air Base

The Italian Air Force has bedded down their four Eurofighters in a combined effort with Host Nation Romania to continue improvements at Mihail Kogălniceanu air base thereby enhancing NATO Air Policing operations.

Mihail Kogălniceanu, one of the bases the nation offers the Alliance for the execution of the enduring collective Air Policing mission, has been undergoing renovations recently with the assistance of other Allies.

“Allied detachments’ infrastructure upgrade works at Mihail Kogălniceanu have enabled NATO enhanced Air Policing deployments and demonstrated how Allies are cooperating and standing shoulder to shoulder…collectively,” said Major General Gianluca Ercolani, Chief of Staff at Allied Air Command. “This work is closely coordinated with the efforts made by Host Nation Romania,” he added.

When Italian Task Force Air “Gladiator” Eurofighters arrived at the Romanian base in mid-November, the detachment worked with the outgoing Canadian CF-18 detachment and Romania to further upgrade facilities to accommodate, maintain and operate an increased number of quick reaction alert aircraft.

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“In a collective effort, we upgraded and reinforced more than 1,300 square metres of apron and taxiway surface; the demanding projects were managed with Romanian Air Force and local building contractors including working at night,” said Colonel Morelli. “During the time, the jets of both Italian and Canadian detachments were deployed at the base. Therefore, the focus was on ensuring a 24/7 quick reaction alert capability for NATO and a smooth handover of the mission – which we clearly achieved,” he added.

“In July 2015, the NATO Investment Committee through the NATO Security Investment Programme approved a significant renovation plan for Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base that is led by Host Nation Romania in coordination with the other allies and agencies deployed there”, said the air base commander, Romanian Air Force Colonel Nicolae Crețu….

Photograph: Italian Air Force.