Thewesternbalkans
Albanian vehicle structures manufacturer Timak said on June 11 it has completed assembling the country’s first armored military vehicle prototype, an infantry mobility vehicle.
The vehicle named SHOTA was warned three weeks ago by the Albanian minister of defence Niko Peleshi. He showed that the pioneering Albanian company founded and led by women, focuses on production, conversion and installation of superstructures of various vehicles, such as ambulances, fire trucks, water tankers and exports cars to 20 countries of the world.
SHOTA is equipped with advanced technology and can be used in a wide range of military and civilian operations, including troop transport, rescue operations and security missions.
The introduction of the SHOTA prototype marks the beginning of Timak’s ambitious journey in military production, with several projects in the pipeline, Timak CEO Arjeta Puca said. In addition to the SHOTA, Timak’s website now features a new category of vehicles for police and military use. This includes explosion-proof vehicles, light utility SUVs for personnel and equipment transport, light tactical pickups for varied terrain, and heavy-duty carriers for large troop movements.
SHOTA is presented on June 17 at the EUROSATORY defence and security exhibition in Paris, by Timak CEO Arjeta Puca and minister of defence Niko Peleshi. Albania participates for the first time represented by a 100% Albanian company in this fair, where about 2 thousand companies from all over the world participate.
The EUROSATORY fair in Paris is attended by delegations from different countries as well as representatives from the USA and NATO and will last from June 17 to 21.
Comment: SHOTA shows that Albania has the ability to patent its own product and Timak’s ambition this vehicle to be just the beginning of its military production aligns with the Albanian government’s plans to revive the country’s defence industry. At the beginning of April this year, prime minister Rama stated that the country’s ambitions include having “Made in Albania” military exports by 2030, as well as to equip the Albanian army with Albanian-made weapons.
