Kuçova Air Base in Albania, considered NATO’s first air base in the Western Balkans, was displayed.
Located in the south of Albania, the base was built in 1955 for the use of the Albanian Air Force by the communist regime that ruled in the country (1944-1991).
Established to protect the country’s airspace, the base hosted Russian and Chinese aircraft for many years.
There are old Mig type planes belonging to the Albanian army on the base, which is connected to the Kuçova Municipality of Berat province.
FLIGHTS COMPLETED IN 2005
Kuçova Air Base Commander Major Arqile Olldashi noted that many types of aircraft take off from the airbase, which was built in 1955.
Olldashi said, “Airplanes such as Mig-15, Mig-17, Mig-19 were taking off and it was a strong base where there were many flights and different exercises at that time. Kuçova Air Base completed its last flights in 2005.” said.
Olldashi said that since 2005, the base has turned into a base where Albanian Air Force pilots conduct their training and exercises, and that he also hosts different exercises of both Albania and NATO member countries, such as the multinational “Defender-Europe 21” military exercise held last year. recorded.
After the collapse of the communist regime in the country, Kuçova Air Base was modernized within the framework of bilateral military cooperation between Turkey and Albania.
The Turkish Armed Forces built the outer perimeter of the base, the runway, the control and air traffic tower, and facilities for the training of personnel.
IT WILL BE TRANSFORMED INTO A NATO BASE
Albania-NATO relations entered a new phase after Albania became a member of NATO in 2009.
NATO and Albania have increased their partnerships in the fields of defense and security in recent years.
NATO has decided to build an air tactical base in Albania in 2019, commemorating its 70th anniversary.
In this context, field work was started in January 2022 to implement the modernization project of the Kuçova Air Base.
According to the official data of the Albanian Ministry of Defense, the cost of the base, which will be built in accordance with NATO standards, is expected to reach approximately 45.8 million euros.
The project includes the improvement of the air base’s runway, infrastructure for flight control and safety, connection roads and other auxiliary vehicles.
The base, which is expected to be completed in the autumn of 2023, will be used by both NATO and the Albanian military.
Albanian authorities consider this project important both for the national security of the country and for the regional security. (AA)