Thewesternbalkans
The Albanian government aims to revive the country’s military industry by producing weapons and ammunition. A draft law of the Ministry of Defense paves the way for the initiative through the establishment of a state-owned company named “KAYO”, which will control this sector.
Through this legal initiative, it becomes possible to create a new structure in the form of a commercial company with all the necessary capacities to interact in today’s national and international market. In the explanatory statement that accompanies the draft law, it is stated that only through such a society can the necessary mechanisms for the revitalization of the inherited capacities of the military industry be activated and function, in the framework of the current dynamics in the international strategic security environment, the decisions and standards of NATO.
The object of activity will be the design, production, repair, demilitarization and trade, inside and outside the country, of all types of weapons or parts of weapons, including military ones, ammunition, technologies and military equipment. The process aims to promote innovation and technological development in the field of the defense industry, through close cooperation with the private sector.
Comment: The decision of the Albanian government to restore country’s military industry directly addresses the growing demand for ammunition and weapons amid rising global tensions.
The revitalization of arms production will, in parallel, contribute to economic growth and development, making the defense industry a real instrument for progress. Albania halted manufacturing of arms and ammunition at the plants following the collapse of its communist regime and the country’s transformation into a market economy. The production facilities were built in the 1960s, and are located in Poliçan, Elbasan and Gramsh.
Aside from planning to reestablish its production plants, Albania has recently reopened its airbase in Kuçova to support NATO air missions which is part of its Long-term Plan for the Development of the Armed Forces 2024-2033 aims at increased mobilizations in the army and the establishment of several military bases.
