Defense industry of Albania
The Defense industry of Albania is going through a significant transformation with the aim of modernizing its capacities, and at the same time reducing the need for imports.[1] A key project is the re-functionalization of old weapons production plants, which will enable the production of ammunition for Ukraine as part of the support for the country during the crisis.[1] In addition, weapons and ammunition will also be produced for its own needs in various sectors and for the Albanian army or for export.[2]
The government plans to create a state-owned company called "KAYO (Albania)". This initiative aims to revive the military industry and is supported by an initial investment of 3 million euros.[2][3]
Albania also wants to strengthen cooperation with international partners to advance its defense strategies, positioning itself as an active player in the field of global security. These developments are important for increasing the independence and stability of the country's armed forces.[3][1]
History
During the communist era, Albania produced weapons and ammunition in numerous factories. One of the products produced in Albania was the ASH-78 (Automatiku Shqiptar 78), which was an Albanian automatic rifle developed in the 1970s as a licensed variant of the Chinese Type 56, which itself was based on the Soviet AKM. Chambered in 7.62×39mm, the ASH-78 was produced at the Gramsh factory in Albania and was used by the Albanian People's Army and later by the Albanian Armed Forces.
Manufacturers
The Albanian defense industry comprises the state-owned conglomerate KAYO, private domestic firms, and international joint ventures.
State-owned enterprises
- Poliçan Mechanical Plant: Manufactures ammunition (5.56×45mm NATO, 7.62×39mm, 7.62×51mm NATO, 9×19mm Parabellum), mortar rounds (60mm, 82mm, 120mm), and hand grenades.[9][10]
- Gramsh Mechanical Plant: Assembles assault rifles (AKM variants) and manufactures metal weapon components.[11][12]
- Rubik Facility: Joint venture site with Elbit Systems producing unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), howitzers, and light weapons.[13][14]
- Shkozë Facility: Assembles armored vehicles and produces tactical gear.[15][16]
Private domestic manufacturers
- Timak Defence: Manufacturer of the Shota Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle.[17][18]
- SHOTA MRAP
- Heavy Duty personnel carriers
- Tactical vehicles[19]
- C-UAS Vehicles
- MKD (Myslym Keta Defence): Produces small and medium-caliber ammunition.[20][21][22]
International joint ventures
- Fincantieri Albania (51% Fincantieri, 49% KAYO): Based at Pashaliman Naval Base.[26][27]
- Products: Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) up to 80 meters and naval maintenance services.[28][29]
- Elbit Systems Albania: Operates in Rubik.[30][31]
- Products: Assembly of loitering munitions, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and heavy artillery systems.[32][33]
The first Albanian military armored car
At the international fair EUROSATORY held in Paris, the first prototype of the albanian military vehicle appeared “Shota MRAP”.[34] Which is the first armored military vehicle produced in Albania.[35] The armored vehicle is a mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle manufactured by TIMAK in Albania. The vehicle is designed for maximum security in high-risk environments, featuring a V-shaped chassis with a hull to avoid explosions and advanced armor for ballistic protection. Equipped with the most advanced communication and navigation systems, it ensures operational efficiency and coordination in combat zones.
See also
References
- 1 2 3 "Albania's Growing Defense Expenditure: A Shift in Priorities". Oculus News. 2023-11-04. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
- 1 2 "Weapon "Made in Albania" within the year 2030, the deputy reveals what Albania will produce". Telegrafi. 2024-05-23. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
- 1 2 Adamowski, Jaroslaw (2024-04-19). "Albania courts NATO investors to revive Soviet-era munitions plants". Defense News. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
- ↑ Government authorizes KAYO to produce arms
- ↑ KAYO official company profile
- ↑ Mjekës facility capabilities
- ↑ Revival of Mjekës explosives plant
- ↑ Mjekës revival
- ↑ Poliçan ammunition production
- ↑ KAYO modernizes Poliçan plant
- ↑ Gramsh facility overview
- ↑ Gramsh small arms assembly
- ↑ Elbit Systems agreement for Rubik
- ↑ Drone and artillery production in Rubik
- ↑ Shkozë vehicle assembly
- ↑ Conversion of Shkozë plant
- ↑ TIMAK official vehicle page
- ↑ Shota unveiled at Eurosatory 2024
- ↑ Albania 40 tactical vehicles
- ↑ MKD ammunition production
- ↑ MKD partnership with KAYO
- ↑ MDK productions of ammunition
- ↑ Guna Tactical product line
- ↑ Guna Tactical joint venture
- ↑ Products guna Tactical website
- ↑ Fincantieri-KAYO joint venture established
- ↑ Fincantieri targets €1 billion in orders
- ↑ Production of 10 vessels by 2030
- ↑ Shipbuilding training program
- ↑ Strategic defense agreement with Israel
- ↑ Elbit howitzers and drones deal
- ↑ Drone and artillery assembly in Rubik
- ↑ ATMOS howitzers and Thor drones
- ↑ INA (2024-06-17). "Prezantohet "Shota" në Paris, autoblinda e parë ushtarake shqiptare (VIDEO)". INA ONLINE (in Albanian). Retrieved 2024-11-19.
- ↑ Webolizma. "TIMAK". www.timak.com. Archived from the original on 10 October 2024. Retrieved 2024-10-08.