Albania Marks 75 Years of Air Force, Begaj Announces New Transformation Chapter

President Bajram Begaj marks the 75th anniversary of Albania’s Military Aviation at Kuçova Air Base. He honors generations of personnel, including first commander Edip Ohri and 43 fallen heroes.

Begaj highlights the Air Force’s transformation from isolation to NATO standards. He says the force has followed Albania’s path toward integration.

He announces a new phase in defense modernization. He upgrades Kuçova Air Base and adds Black Hawk helicopters. He outlines plans to modernize the fleet, strengthen ground-based air defense, and establish a drone unit. He also advances the integrated air surveillance system and turns Kuçova into a NATO Tactical Air Base.

Begaj says the Air Force protects national sovereignty and contributes to collective security. He points to global conflicts and rising threats. He calls collective defense a necessity.

He commits Albania to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, in line with NATO targets.

Begaj pledges strong support for the Armed Forces. He praises pilots, technicians, and personnel for continuing a 75-year legacy.

The Air Force performs a live demonstration. NATO F-16 jets and Albanian helicopters take part.

/a.c/

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