World
NATO Launches First Air Base in Albania, a Landmark in Western Balkans
Albania becomes the home to the first North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) airbase in the Western Balkans region. Representatives from the NATO bloc made the announcement, confirming the official opening of the Kučova Air Base4.
Situated approximately 80 kilometers south of Tirana, in the Berat district, the newly inaugurated airbase marks a transformation of the former military airfield into a cutting-edge facility poised to serve as a vital hub for future NATO air operations.
The history of the site dates back several decades, with the area previously known as the Stalin military airfield from 1950 to 1990. Following extensive planning and construction efforts since 2019, the base has undergone substantial development to meet the rigorous standards of NATO operations.
The opening of the Kučova Air Base represents a strategic move by NATO to enhance its presence and capabilities in the Western Balkans region.
