Media: Romanian military base set to host 20,000 troops

Romania’s Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, located in Constanța County on the Black Sea, is expected to become one of NATO’s most strategic sites in Europe, with troop numbers potentially doubling initial estimates.

According to exclusive information reported by Digi24, the base could accommodate up to 20,000 soldiers—10,000 permanently stationed and another 10,000 on a rotational basis. The additional contingent would be deployed temporarily in the event of renewed Russian aggression or threats to NATO allies, Caliber.Az reports. 

Beyond troop deployment, the base is also slated to become a major logistics hub for Ukraine. Military aid—including missiles, ammunition, and armored vehicles—will be stored at the site before being transferred to Ukraine when transport routes are deemed secure.

Initially, Romanian defence officials had announced that the expanded base would house 10,000 troops. However, the larger capacity underscores NATO’s growing reliance on Romania as a forward presence on its eastern flank, especially amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

If fully operational, Mihail Kogălniceanu could emerge as NATO’s most important stronghold in Europe, serving both as a deterrent against Russian escalation and as a vital supply line for Kyiv.

By Sabina Mammadli