US to invest nearly $14 million in Ämari Air Base
The United States is planning on investing a total of $214 million in European air bases, $13.9 million (€11.8 million) of which has been earmarked for Estonia's Ämari Air Base.
The money was included in the U.S.' National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018, which President Donald Trump signed into law on Dec. 12, reported Air Force Times.
The funds are part of the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI), which was initiated in June 2014, three months after Crimea was occupied by Russian forces.
The U.S. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) grants the U.S. Air Force the right to purchase land and build bases outside of the U.S., for which a budget of $214 million has been granted for the next fiscal year.
The Ministry of Defence told ERR that investments will be made at Ämari Air Base in accordance with NATO needs. Specific construction dates have yet to be finalized.
"U.S. investments will help expand infrastructure at Ämari Air Base at an accelerated pace in order to support the hosting and training of allies," said ministry spokesperson Andres Sang, who noted that the $13.9 million allocation will be used to expand the existing fighter jet apron and fuel facilities.
Thus far, the U.S. has invested over $32 million in Ämari Air Base in the framework of the EDI.
Editor: Aili Vahtla
