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BUCHAREST, April 30 (Xinhua) -- NATO has decided to modernize two more air bases in Romania and related construction has already started at the 90th Airlift Base in Otopeni, northern Bucharest, local media reported on Thursday.

The Alliance will also consolidate the runway at Air Base in Campia Turzii, northwestern Romania, to ensure military maneuvers without any problems, according to local Digi24 television.

Modernization of the two air facilities will cost 15 million dollars and the investment comes mostly from NATO as it prepares to station in Romania heavy combat equipment, armored personnel carriers and tanks.

"The investment will provide running a much larger number of aircraft than today, including the possibility of providing technical stopovers," 90th Airlift Base commander Viorel Pana was quoted as saying.

Upgrading the air base in Otopeni will cost 9 million dollars and the works also include the control points of the Fleet, Air control tower and coordination center of the military mission.

After upgrading, heavy aircraft Hercules or CJ 27 Spartan will be able to make additional maneuvers.

Regarding the Air Base in Campia Turzii, runway will be consolidated for American F-16 aircraft, as well as supersonic fighters of the Alliance.

Currently, the U.S. military is using the modernized airport in Kogalniceanu, near the Black sea. Meanwhile, works on another seaside airbase at Fetesti are almost completed.

NATO is stepping up its presence around Russian borders to reassure eastern European member states and Romania announced to host NATO heavy arms if asked.