In its statement, the ministry said that all procurement procedures in the defense and security sector are conducted in full compliance with Albanian legislation and are based on the principles of legality, transparency, competition, and equal treatment of economic operators.
The ministry also rejected allegations that the purchase involved a “closed tender” or that the procedure had been carried out in violation of the law.
“The procurement was conducted through a competitive procedure for military purposes, in accordance with Albanian legislation governing defense and security procurement. Two economic operators participated in the bidding process. The winning bidder submitted the lowest-priced offer, while the other operator was disqualified for failing to meet the legal qualification requirements, as well as the necessary economic and technical capacity,” the statement said.
The ministry also dismissed claims that the winning company had been banned from contracting with public administrations.
According to the statement, AVIATION TRADE EUROPE, S.L. submitted a criminal record certificate confirming that it has no criminal convictions and remains fully eligible to participate in public procurement procedures.
The ministry further stated that the allegations cited in the media relate to a separate court case in Spain, where the ruling is not yet final and is currently under review by the Spanish Supreme Court. As a result, it has no legal effect and does not constitute grounds for excluding the company from public procurement procedures.
It added that the company has continued to sign contracts with public administrations in NATO member states and other international partners, including, in recent years, the Ministry of Defense of Cyprus and the Ministry of Interior of Montenegro.
The Ministry of Defense emphasized that the acquisition of aerial firefighting capabilities is a strategic investment aimed at strengthening civil protection and safeguarding lives, property, and the environment.
“For this reason, the Ministry of Defense remains committed to ensuring that every procurement procedure is conducted responsibly, in full compliance with the law and in the public interest,” the statement concluded.
