Defence Minister Ermal Nufi describes the development of the defence industry as a strategic priority for Albania.
In a video message, he said that the country has now entered a new phase in which the defence industry aims to strengthen national security, technological capabilities and economic development.
“The development of the defence industry in the Republic of Albania, and every step related to it, always remains good news for our country. Despite the fantasies, fabrications and political accusations of those who seek to sustain themselves and survive on a path they have already lost, today nothing can change the fact that the development of the defence industry is a strategic priority for Albania — a priority that serves both national security and our commitments as a NATO member country. Albania has now entered a new phase, in which the defence industry is no longer viewed solely as a matter of security, but as a strategic opportunity for the country’s economic, technological and industrial development,” Minister Nufi said.
Through the state-owned company KAYO, the Defence Minister added, six joint ventures with international companies are currently being developed, while the first 40 vehicles produced in Albania have already entered the inventory of the Armed Forces.
“For many years, this industry was treated as a legacy ‘to be destroyed’; today, we are rebuilding and strengthening it with capabilities geared towards the future. Through the state-owned company KAYO, established in 2024, we are building partnerships with leading international companies. Today, six joint ventures are under development through public-private partnerships in which KAYO participates. The first 40 vehicles produced have already entered the inventory of the Armed Forces, and very soon we will also begin the production of light ammunition,” Minister Nufi further stressed.
Among other things, he also addressed Fincantieri Albania and the production of individual protective equipment for the Armed Forces and other security institutions:
“With Fincantieri Albania, thanks to our partnership with a prestigious leader in shipbuilding, we are not simply buying ships: we are strengthening Albanian capabilities to build them here, to produce for ourselves and to export to other allied countries. Individual protective equipment for the Armed Forces and security institutions — products that until recently were imported — will now be produced in the Republic of Albania according to the highest international standards,” Minister Nufi underlined.
This industry, Minister Nufi stressed, should not be viewed solely as a security matter, but also as an opportunity for employment, technology, domestic production and economic development.
“These are only the first steps — steps through which, after 17 years as a beneficiary of the Alliance’s security, Albania is increasingly turning into an active contributor to it. And this is a fact that should make everyone proud, young and old, left and right. If for decades defence was a cost, today we are building a dedicated industry around it! An industry that produces security, technology and capabilities, generates employment here in Albania as well, and ensures that we have the necessary capabilities to guarantee the country’s security,” Defence Minister Ermal Nufi concluded his message.
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