Deputy Defence Minister Blerina Abrazhda says Albania needs time to build its defence industry and develop the infrastructure, technology and skilled workforce required for production. She made the remarks in response to opposition criticism of the sector’s initial industrial projects.
Abrazhda said Albania should assess early projects not only by their current output but also by the capabilities they create for the future. She highlighted technology and know-how transfer, professional skills, infrastructure modernisation and the integration of Albanian companies into international defence-industry supply chains.
Meanwhile, she cited the partnership with Italy’s Fincantieri, a major shipbuilding group with extensive naval and defence capabilities. The partnership operates at Vlora Bay naval base shipyard through Fincantieri Albania. Fincantieri holds 51% of the company, while KAYO, an Albanian state-owned defence company, holds 49%. The partnership aims to develop naval construction and maintenance capabilities, modernise the abovementioned naval base and create opportunities in international markets.
Abrazhda also highlighted training and skills development through cooperation between Fincantieri, KAYO and the Pavarësia Professional Institute in Vlora. She said the long-term goal is to increase Albania’s ability to produce, integrate, maintain and train personnel domestically. She added that international partnerships should create lasting value through knowledge transfer, modern infrastructure, industrial processes and greater participation by Albanian companies in international supply chains.
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