Ionuț Moșteanu, the Minister of Defense, declared that the Mihail Kogălniceanu airbase will become one of the largest in Europe, despite the temporary withdrawal of several hundred American troops. This base will host 20,000 soldiers and will be modernized through an investment plan agreed upon with NATO allies, aiming to rival the Ramstein base in Germany by 2040.
Although the United States is reducing the number of troops, the American presence in Romania will remain constant, with approximately 900-1000 soldiers. The modernization of the base will cost 2.5 billion euros, and Romania hopes to obtain 400 million euros from European Commission funds. The base will play an essential role in supporting Ukraine and in storing NATO military aid. Moșteanu emphasized the importance of the partnership with the United States in the field of defense and equipping the Romanian Army.