Albania is not currently under threat but it is prepared for the worst-case scenario, said Defence Minister Niko Peleshi, referring to the purchase of Bayraktar drones from Turkey.
In December, Albania purchased three Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones, a model used by Ukraine against Russia, that carry lightweight laser-guided bombs.
“There is no signal to worry about any possible involvement of any military conflict for our country. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t prepare for even the worst day. In this context, also due to the geopolitical shock after the war in Ukraine, we decided to enrich our air force with a modern and highly efficient capacity,” he told the media on Sunday.
He added that Albania is a valuable member of NATO, the largest political and military alliance in the world and that Albania is not currently under threat.
His comments echoed those of Prime Minister Edi Rama when the drone deal was signed on 21 December. Rama said the vehicles were armed and ready to fight, “which I hope will never occur.”
The drones will also be used to monitor the country’s territory for drug cultivation, wildfires, flooding, and even migration.
Also, a part of the deal is the manufacturing company training 30 members of the Albanian military on how to operate the drones. They will operate out of the Kucova Airbase, which is set to become a NATO operation point, providing air supply operations, support, logistics, training and exercises.
“We signed an export contract with Albania, a country we have walked alongside for centuries and share strong historical, cultural and humanitarian ties,” said Haluk Bayraktar, owner of the Turkish company.
(Alice Taylor | Exit.al)
Source: euractiv.com
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