A few days ahead of inauguration, work at the Kuçova air base is nearing completion, transforming it into a NATO tactical base.
Air Force Commander, Brigadier General Ferdinand Dimo explained the steps taken so far, with preparations and works publicly disclosed for the first time.
According to Brigadier General Ferdinand Dimo, it was the decision of the Albanian state and NATO in 2018 to turn this base into an Alliance tactical base, and as of March 4 of this year, it is fully operational.
“In 2021, investments were planned for the revitalization of the Kuçova base facilities. Today, we are completing the implementation of 3 important projects such as the perimeter and security system, as well as the perimeter defense of the base. Approximately 50 million euros are invested by NATO and more than 5 million euros are invested by the Albanian government,” explained the Air Force Commander.
Brigadier General Ferdinand Dimo elaborated on the functions that will be carried out by this base.
“We are completing all the work for the Air Force troops to train at this base. But not only that, NATO troops and NATO aircraft can be accommodated, trained, and flown from the Kuçova air base, which is now a NATO tactical air base,” said Dimo.
The NATO tactical base in Kuçova will positively impact the economic development of the entire Berat region.
“The construction of the NATO air base in Kuçova has an extraordinary developmental impact on the community and throughout the Berat region,” said Brigadier General Ferdinand Dimo.
The Kuçova air base will be inaugurated on March 4, according to the planned schedule. Representatives of the Albanian state, NATO, and the United States will attend the ceremony.
During his visit to Tirana on February 15, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the NATO air base in Kuçova would open in March.
There are also talks between the Albanian government and the US on the construction of a NATO naval base in the port of Durrës, but according to Blinken, construction will depend on the alliance’s plan for the distribution of assets and logistics.
