Albania restores old airfield to serve NATO aircraft

Albania has opened a restored Soviet-era airbase to service NATO aircraft amid growing pressure from Russia.

Here's What We Know

Albania does not have its own fighter jets, but it has allowed the restoration of its old airbase in Kukova, which was used by the USSR. NATO has spent more than 50 million euros to rebuild the entire infrastructure and strengthen its presence in the region.

According to Reuters, the airbase used to house Soviet and Chinese fighter jets that were on alert in case of war with the West.

To mark the reopening of the airfield, two fighter jets from a NATO base in Italy landed in Kukova.

Albania, which joined NATO in 2009, is also in talks with the Alliance to build a naval base in Porto Romano on the Adriatic coast.

Source: Reuters