CBNNews.com - JERUSALEM, Israel - The Israel Air Force (IAF) is upgrading its Nevatim base, which will include a 2.5-mile landing strip, the largest in the Middle East.

The upgrade is part of an overall plan to move most of the air forces bases to the Negev.

"The transfer of the Air Force to the south is part of a great plan the IDF is putting into action," wrote Nevatim's administrator Colonel Tzvi Tweezer in a post on the IAF Web site.

"This will include constructing transportation systems, educational facilities, employment and housing. Improving the infrastructure in the region will include a train station at the entrance to the base, roads and a gas-powered electric generating station to provide the region's energy supply," he wrote.

The expanded Nevatim base, featuring underground hangers and housing for at least 2,000 soldiers, is being built by 900 workers, more than 50 percent of whom hail from the Negev.

Total budget for the project is just under $660 million. Barring anything unforeseen, the upgrade should be completed by 2009.

Source: israel national news