“The US Air Bases in Romania: Strategic Pawns in NATO’s Security Architecture and Global Geopolitics”- Maritime Security Forum Essay
ARGUMENT: Appearance of the Article: Time to Cut Romania – March 14, 2025 in The American Conservative-Here
The air bases at Câmpia Turzii and Mihail Kogălniceanu are key points of America’s strategic presence in Eastern Europe, playing a fundamental role in NATO’s security architecture and deterrence policy in the face of regional threats. US investment in these bases not only reflects a broad strategy to strengthen its military posture in the region, but also underlines Washington’s long-term commitment to the security of the North Atlantic Alliance’s eastern flank.
The modernization and expansion of air bases in Romania has been driven by several geopolitical and military factors. Romania’s geostrategic location at the crossroads of Central Europe, the Balkans and the Black Sea region provides a significant operational advantage for NATO forces. Proximity to Russia and the emerging conflicts in Ukraine and the Caucasus make these bases essential hubs for US air force projection, surveillance and deterrence operations.
US investment in the infrastructure of the two bases has increased significantly over the past decade as NATO-Russia relations have deteriorated. The air base at Mihail Kogălniceanu has benefited from major upgrades, including the extension of airstrips, the construction of facilities for stationed troops and the development of military equipment storage infrastructure. These upgrades allow the operation of a wide range of aircraft, from F-35 and F-16 fighter jets to advanced surveillance drones and aerial refueling aircraft.
The base at Campia Turzii has also been the subject of considerable investment, transforming it into a regional hub for advanced air operations. It has become an important center for multinational exercises, joint training with allied forces and the deployment of state-of-the-art technologies. Infrastructure development has allowed the integration of advanced air combat capabilities and surveillance and reconnaissance systems, essential for intelligence gathering and monitoring military activities in the region.
The strategic importance of these bases goes beyond the purely military dimension, with direct implications for regional stability and the balance of forces in the Black Sea area. Against the background of Russia’s growing aggressiveness and the protracted conflict in Ukraine, the presence of US forces in Romania provides a guarantee of security and a deterrent to potential hostile actions. They also play a crucial role in ensuring freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, a vital region for energy trade and NATO’s strategic interests.
In addition to the military aspects, US investment in Romanian air bases has generated significant economic benefits. Infrastructure modernization has attracted contracts for local companies, created jobs and stimulated economic development in areas adjacent to the bases. The close collaboration between the US and Romanian armed forces has also contributed to increasing the operational capabilities of the Romanian Air Force, facilitating the transfer of expertise and technology.
In addition, these bases provide an essential strategic platform for military operations in the Middle East and adjacent regions. Because of their location, US air forces can conduct rapid surveillance missions, air strikes and support operations in areas such as Iran, Syria and Iraq. They also allow rapid deployment of forces in the event of escalating conflicts in the region, serving as refueling and logistical coordination points for long-distance missions.
In the past, Mihail Kogălniceanu air base has been used extensively by US forces for operations in the Middle East. During the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, it served as a key transit point for US troops, facilitating the rotation of personnel and transportation of equipment to conflict zones. Refueling and surveillance aircraft have also been operated from Romania to support missions in the Middle East, providing the US with a constant air presence and the ability to intervene quickly in the region.
American interest in these bases is driven by multiple strategic factors. First, they provide an essential platform for conducting operations in the wider Black Sea region, allowing the US to react quickly to any emerging threat. Second, the bases in Romania facilitate coordination and interoperability with NATO allies, strengthening the Alliance’s defensive posture on the Eastern flank. Third, the presence of these bases provides the United States with an important logistical advantage, reducing reaction time in the event of conflict and ensuring a persistent military presence in the region.
For all these reasons, the United States would not give up the bases in Romania, as they are essential for NATO security and for maintaining the balance of power in Eastern Europe. Given the evolving threats in the region, the American presence in these bases is more important than ever, representing an essential pillar of the collective deterrence and defense strategy.
MARITIME SECURITY FORUM