List of equipment of the Albanian Armed Forces

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Modern equipment of the Albanian Army is a list of the equipment currently in use with the Albanian Armed Forces. It includes small arms, combat vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, artillery and transport vehicles. Its main mission is the defense of the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Albania, participation in humanitarian, combat, non-combat and peace support operations.[1][2] After the integration of the Albania in North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was start implementing a defence modernisation programme which consist on the demolition of the surplus armament inherited from the communist regime and its replacement with modern weapons of NATO standards.[3]

Modernisation program

The process of modernization of the AAF is based on the short-term, middle-term and long-term objectives and priorities of their restructuring and development aiming at achieving the increase of the operational capacities. The modernization programme started before the country's North Atlantic Treaty Organization membership (on 1 April 2009) with the purchase of armaments produced by the NATO countries. It also started a programme for the disposal and alienation of surplus ammunition inherited from the communist regime for 50 years.

Ground Forces
The modernization of the Land Forces began around 2006, starting with Special Forces such as the BFS (then known as the Batalioni i Operacioneve Speciale, BOS) and the Commandos. Seeing their involvement in NATO peacekeeping operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the need arose for more modern armaments given that until then these branches used old Soviet or Chinese era armaments. In 2007, the Ministry of Defense (MOD) reached agreement with the German company Heckler & Koch for the purchase of several weapons in limited quantities for special forces, including HK146, two variants of H&K G36, HK417, MP7, and variants of H&K USP.[4] Some of them were only for evaluation purposes. In 2009 the Beretta ARX160 was issued in much larger quantities thus becoming the standard assault rifle for the BFS over the HK416 and HK G-36. In 2015, the Colt M4A1 joined ARX160 as standard use alongside it.[5] For the 3 infantry battalions, the modernization started in 2013, initially introducing the as standard handgun the Beretta Px4, as a light machine gun H&K MG4 and H&K MG5 as a General-purpose machine gun.[6]
In 2015 other weapons were introduced over all ground units. The 2nd Infantry Battalion (B2K) was equipped with Colt M4A1.[7] The Military Police was equipped with the Beretta ARX160 and added 4 new Iveco LMV vehicles.[8][9] The Sako TRG-22 and TGR-44 were distributed to all sniper units, while the Benelli M4 Super 90 to the BFS and MP for Close-quarters combat.
The following year the Italian Government offered an aid package of 5,000 Beretta AR70/90 units, which at the time were in the process of being withdrawn and replaced in favor of the Beretta ARX160 over Italian Army.[10] This package fitted the needs of the Albanian Armed Forces (AAF) as the process of replacing the old Soviet 7.62×39mm ammunition with 5.56×45mm, a task-requirement by Standardization Agreement (STANAG) of NATO allies since Albania's accession in 2009.[11] The process that was expected to last within 10 years, but the aid package helped completing the process 4 years earlier and without additional costs. After the process of replacing the AK47 variants (many of which were locally produced under the name ASh-78 and ASh-82) with the AR70/90 was ended, the rifle became the standard weapon and most used over most Land Forces branches.
In 2017 the Combat Support Battalion (Batalioni Mbështetjes së Luftimit, BML) was equipped with Hirtenberger M6 60mm and Hirtenberger M8 81mm mortars by the Austrian company Hirtenberger Defense Systems. Thus removing from use the Chinese made mortars from the communist period. In March of the same year came the first 77 HMMWV M1114 of an aid package totaling 250 armored vehicles. They are obtained from Excess Defense Articles (EDA) through the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, a United States program to support NATO partners and allies.[12] The vehicles were immediately put at the service of B1K. In 2019 came the second part of the package of 250 vehicles and it consisted of 36 International MaxxPro and 1 MaxxPro Wrecker recovery vehicle. These vehicles joined the previous 3 MaxxPro bringing the total number of MRAPs used by Special Forces to 40.[12][13]

Naval Forces
In 2007, was signed a contracts with the Damen Group for the or completing of the Albanian Naval Forces with patrol vessels to be used to perform a number of tasks and duties, including coastal patrols, search and rescue, control and monitoring of maritime traffic, marine environment protection. The contract envisaged the construction of 4 vessels of the Damen Stan 4207 class, which the first of them would be built in Netherlands and 3 others in the Pasha Liman naval base in Albania. The first patrol vessel, named Iliria P-132, was built and delivered to the Albanian Coast Guard in August 2008. Enabling thus the following construction of 3 other patrol vessels in Pasha Liman Base by Albanian carpenters assisted by the experts of Damen Group. The second patrol vessel Oriku P-133 will be commissioned in September 2011, the third ship, Lisus P-133, will be operational in 2012 and fourth Butrint P-134 in 2013.[14][15][16]

Individual Equipment

Model Type Origin Image Details
Helmets
Ops Core FAST Combat Helmet  United States
Used by the Special Forces Personnel
Camouflage
Multicam Camouflage Pattern  United States
Crye-based Multicam used by Albanian special forces personnel.[17]
Night Vision
AN/PSV-18 (MNVD) Night Vision  United States
AN/PSV-15 (NVB) Night Vision  United States
Ballistic Protection Equipment
MED-ENG EOD 9 Bomb suit  Canada

Weapons

Weapon Caliber / Type Origin Image Details
Pistols
Beretta Px4 9×19mm  Italy Standard service handgun of Albanian Land Force.
Since 2013 has started the replacement of TT-33, PM eventually, the M9.[6]
Beretta APX 9x19mm  Italy In use by the RENEA. [1]
H&K USP P8
H&K USP P12
9×19mm
.45 ACP
 Germany Used by BFS, and elsewhere in limited quantities to serve alongside the Beretta Px4.
FN Five-Seven 5.7×28mm  Belgium Used by BFS
Glock 19 9×19mm  Austria Used by BFS, and elsewhere in limited quantities to serve alongside the Beretta Px4.
Beretta 92
Yavuz 16
9×19mm  Italy
 Turkey
In service since the late 90s as service handgun along with TT-33 and PM.
Used mostly by General Staff and special forces until the introductions of Px4, Glock 19 and H&K USPs'.
Submachine guns
H&K MP5
MKEK MP5
9×19mm  West Germany
 Turkey
Entirely replaced the PPS-43 and P-84 SMG (domestic version). Used mostly by BFS, Albanian Commandos and the Military Police.
The weapon comes in multiple variants, from the standard MP5, MP5PDW and the suppressed MP5SD, to the more easily concealable MP5K, which are stockless and have vertical foregrips.[18]
Some of the MP5s were produced in Turkey under license from MKEK and were donated to AAF in December 2013.[19]
Heckler & Koch MP7 HK 4.6×30mm  Germany Used In limited quantity by BFS and RENEA
Heckler & Koch UMP .45 ACP  Germany Used In limited quantity by BFS and RENEA
Assault rifles and carbines
SKS 7.62×39mm  People's Socialist Republic of Albania
Used for ceremonial purposes
AK-47
Type 56
ASh-78
7.62×39mm  Soviet Union
 People's Republic of China
 People's Socialist Republic of Albania
Standard issue assault rifle, in service since the late 1950s. There are 3 variants, including domestic manufactured version, which are in use by the Albanian Land Force.
Since 2013 being phased out in favour of the Beretta AR70/90 and Colt M4A1.
ASh-82 7.62×39mm  People's Socialist Republic of Albania
Copy of AKMS, locally manufactured under license since 1982 by UM Gramsh.
There have also been modifications and modernization of heavily modified ASH-82 with SOPMOD accessories, mainly used by BFS, Commandos and Police Special Forces, such as RENEA and Republican Guard special unit and so on.
Beretta ARX160 5.56×45mm  Italy
Since 2010, initially the Beretta ARX160 version has been used by BFS in their missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, serving as well as evaluation purpose. Currently the weapon is in use by Special Forces, Military Police and Engineer Battalion.[18]
Beretta AR70/90 5.56×45mm  Italy The Italian government decided to donate about 5000 AR70/90 at the end of 2016.[20] Although not one of the most modern weapons in circulation it will serve in fulfillment of one of the objectives set, such as the transition from 7.62×39mm to the 5.56×45mm to be used by all NATO allies. It is the AAF standard primary weapon since 2017 and alongside M4 have totally replaced the AK47 and its variants.[21]
Colt M4A1 5.56×45mm  United States
Delivered in 2015, with the intention that with the AR70/90, it will replace the AK-47 within the next 5 years. Common accessories included the AN/PEQ-2, ACOG or EOTech optic and holographic sights, also the grenade launcher M203 can be mounted.
Used as service rifle by 2nd Infantry Battalion (B2K), whereas the BFS, until now has only used it in training.[6][18]
HS Produkt VHS 5.56×45mm NATO  Croatia Mainly used by RENEA but it has also been seen used by the army
Heckler & Koch G36 5.56×45mm NATO  Germany Used by the BFS
Heckler & Koch HK416A7 5.56×45mm NATO  Germany Used by the BFS[22]
MPT-76 7.62×51mm NATO  Turkey
30 MPT-76s[23][24][25]
MPT-55 5.56×45mm NATO  Turkey 30 MPT-55s[23][26][27]
Shotguns
Benelli M4 Super 90 12-gauge  Italy Used by BFS and Military Police.
Sniper rifles. Designated marksman rifles and Anti materiel rifles
Dragunov SVD 7.62×54mmR  Soviet Union Standard issue sniper rifle, part of the Albanian Armed Forces arsenal since before the collapse of the communist regime.
Since 2015 being phased out in favour of the Sako TRG-22 and Sako TRG-42.[6][18]
H&K HK417 7.62×51mm  Germany The primary designated marksman rifle. It is equipped with an S&B PMII Ultra Short optical sight for long-range engagements.
Limited quantity, used by BFS.[18]
Heckler & Koch SR9 7.62×51mm NATO  Germany Target Rifle Used by the BFS
Heckler & Koch PSG1 7.62×51mm NATO  Germany Used by the BFS[28]
Sako TRG-22
Sako TRG-42
7.62×51mm
.300 Winchester Magnum
 Finland
Both versions were adopted in 2015 and used as standard snipers of Albanian Armed Forces, to be the replacement of old Dragunov SVDs. The replacement started from the B2K, with the intention within the next 5-years entirely replace on all branches.[6][18]
Barrett M82 .50 BMG  United States The M82 recoil-operated, semi-automatic anti-materiel rifle.
Very limited quantity, mostly used by BFS as Long-Range Precision Anti Structure rifle.
Barrett M99 .50 BMG  United States [citation needed]
Machine guns
DShKm 12.7×108 mm  Albania
 People's Socialist Republic of Albania
centro Locally Made from a Chinese copy of the DShK. Used as standard heavy machine gun. It has also been seen mounted on Humvee vehicles. APC'S and Tanks. Sometimes even on patrol vessels. Also used for Air Defense.[29]
M621 NARWHAL 20mm  France Mounted on Iliria-class patrol vessels[30][31]
RPD 7.62×39mm  Soviet Union
RPK
ASh-78 Tip-2
7.62×39mm  Soviet Union
 People's Socialist Republic of Albania
Rheinmetall MG3 7.62x51mm NATO  Germany [32]
H&K MG4 5.56×45mm  Germany
The MG4 is the standard light support weapon. It features a longer barrel, a bipod and a shoulder strap for greater range and accuracy. Adopted in 2013 with the intention of replacing the RPK within 5 years.
Currently used as standard LMG weapon by 2nd Infantry Battalion (B2K) and special forces (BFS and Commandos).[6][18]
H&K MG5 7.62×51mm  Germany Was adopted in the Army in 2013 to serve as infantry support, deployment as a vehicle-mounted support weapon, and perhaps in the near future to be used as a helicopter door-gun.
Currently used as standard general-purpose machine gun weapon by 2nd Infantry Battalion (B2K) and special forces (BFS and Commandos).[6][18]
M2 Browning 12.7x99mm NATO  United States
M134 Minigun 7.62×51mm NATO  United States To be Mounted on CH-47 Chinook Helicopters[33]
Anti Tank Systems
RPG-7
Type 69 RPG
Tip-57
40mm  Soviet Union
 People's Republic of China
 People's Socialist Republic of Albania
Albania mainly owns Type 69 rocket launcher, a Chinese copy of the RPG-7, as well as a locally manufactured variant named Tip-57. Both are inherited from the communist era and have been kept in storage. In 2022 MoD published videos on the official YouTube channel where the ground forces were seen using them at training that year.
FGM-148 Javelin 127mm  United States
On 16 May 2022, Lockheed Martin in a press release stated that the company had received orders from several international customers including Norway, Albania, Latvia and Thailand.[34] The purchase was confirmed a few days later by the Ministry of Defence, Niko Peleshi for yet an undisclosed number and contract value of the system.[35]
BGM-71 TOW 150mm  United States Seen mounted on Humvee vehicles and MRAP's[36]
HJ-8 120mm  People's Republic of China [37]
MANPADS
FIM-92 Stinger  United States
Niko Peleshi announcing of coming FIM-92 Stinger for Albanian Armed Forces in 2023 together with FGM-148 Javelin.
9K32 Strela-2  Soviet Union
HN-5  People's Republic of China 100 acquired in 1978[38]
Grenades and grenade launchers
M84 Stun Grenade  United States
RGD-5  Soviet Union
Hand grenade used by Albanian Land Force since 1970.
Being withdrawn from service.
Beretta GLX 160 40×46mm  Italy
Grenade launcher used on Beretta ARX160[18]
M203 40×46mm  United States Grenade launcher used on Colt M4A1.[6]

Artillery

Type Model Origin Image No. Details
Surface to Air Missiles
Short-Range Crotale NG  France N/A
Medium-Range MIM-23 Hawk  United States N/A Albania was equipped with an unknown amount of batteries and missiles according to NATO standards. Albania owns Phase III
Multiple rocket launchers
Multiple Rocket Launcher Type 63 multiple rocket launcher  People's Republic of China 270 [39]
Anti aircraft artillery
Self-propelled Anti-aircraft weapon M163 VADS  United States N/A [40]
Towed Anti-Aircraft Autocannon ZU-23-2  Soviet Union
N/A
Mortars
120mm Heavy Mortar M1943  Soviet Union N/A [41]
60mm Mortar Hirtenberger M6  Austria N/A It has been introduced in service since 2017. Currently used by the Combat Support Battalion, b1K, b2K and b3K[42]
81mm Mortar Hirtenberger M8  Austria N/A It has been introduced in service since 2017. Currently used by the Combat Support Battalion[43]

Vehicles

Type Model Origin Image No. Details
Main battle tank
Tank Type 59 tank  People's Republic of China 40 According to a 2019 report of the Albanian Ministry of Defence 40 out of 721 Tanks in storage were estimated to be combat-ready and capable of being recalled to immediate service without requiring prior maintenance[44][failed verification]
Infantry fighting vehicles
Infantry fighting vehicle BMP-1  Soviet Union
 East Germany
17 Albanian Armed Forces obtained 17 ex East German BMP-1s in 1995[45]
Infantry fighting vehicle BMP-2  Soviet Union 50
Armoured personnel carriers
Armoured personnel carrier M113  United States

130
Light utility vehicles
Utility vehicle Land Rover Defender  United Kingdom
 Turkey
~150 The Defenders militarized version is the main utility vehicle of Albanian Armed Forces.
More than 100 Land Rover Defender, which are produced by Otokar under license, were donated in two tranches in December 2013 and June 2015 by Turkish government. There are included the Land Rover Defender 150 and Defender 130 to use as utility, ambulances, and rescue vehicles, which will be join to the other part that AAF had in inventory since 2000s.[46][19][47]
Utility vehicle Mercedes-Benz G-Class  Austria
 West Germany
~170 No accurate info about the number, year of military activity, or the acquisition method for the G-Class. Since the late 90s, they are often used by the Albanian Armed Forces, along with the Defender, in training, convoys and missions, within the country and abroad.
The G-Class number is estimated around 100 and is mostly used as a general utility and liaison vehicle.
Utility vehicle Iveco VM 90 Torperdo  Italy 250
Liaison Bus Otokar Navigo  Turkey N/A
Van Ford Transit VI  Germany
 Turkey
N/A [46][19]
Light armored vehicles
Infantry mobility vehicle Iveco LMV  Italy ~25 The LMV was considered as evaluation purpose as the standard armored vehicle for the AAF. The first four were purchased in October 2015 for the Military Police.[48]
In 2018, 3 new vehicles entered service, of which two were donations of the Italian Armed Forces.[49]
Infantry mobility vehicle Iveco VM 90P  Italy N/A
Infantry mobility vehicle HMMWV M1114  United States 242 On 25 November 2015, the Minister of Defence announced in the Committee on National Security that Albanian Armed Forces would be supplied with about 250 armored vehicles (divided into 3 tranches) acquired from the Excess Defense Articles programme, part of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, in a short-term period.[50] In March 2017 it was confirmed that the first tranche, which amounted to 77 HMMWV up-armored M1114 variant would be delivered within the same year.
The HMMWV, most likely will be the standard armoured fighting vehicle of the Albanian Land Force.[12] Another batch of 29 HMMWVs of various variants, including ambulances, was delivered on 25 February 2021.[51]
MRAPs
MRAP International MaxxPro Plus  United States
39 The MaxxPro has been used by BFS since 2012 in its International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan. Probably they were acquired under a leasing contract with the United States Army. In March 2017, 3 MaxxPros Plus acquired from Excess Defense Articles (EDA), part of the DSCA, were delivered to Albania.[12]
In February 2019, under the same US assistance program, another aid package consisting of 36 MaxxPro Plus and 1 MaxxPro Wrecker recovery vehicle was sent, bringing the total to 39.[52]
MRAP Nexter Aravis  France N/A soldiers of various units tested the Aravis in 2012 but an unknown amount was bought.[53]
MRAP Nexter Titus  France
 Czech Republic
16 16 vehicles are currently trialed and to enter service soon.
Engineering vehicles
Unmanned Remote-Controlled Mine-Clearing Vehicle Bozena 5  Slovakia N/A [54]
Armoured Recovery Vehicle International MaxxPro MRV  United States
1 1 truck, delivered in February 2019 along with 46 MaxxPro Plus variants.
Trucks
Mercedes Mercedes-Benz NG  West Germany
N/A
Mercedes Mercedes-Benz Actros  Germany N/A [46][19]
Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles MAN KAT1  Austria
 Germany
N/A
Iveco Iveco acm 80  Italy
~200
Isuzu Isuzu type 73 heavy truck  Japan
N/A
Unmanned Ground Vehicles
Unmanned Ground Vehicle iRobot PackBot 510  United States N/A

Radars

Type Model Origin Image No. Details
Radars
Phased array Long-Range Radar System AN/TPS-117  United States
1 As of November 2020, Albania Air Force operates a AN/TPS-117 Long-range radar system on Mida mountain near Pukë, which was a joined investment of Albania and the US through Lockheed Martin with $19 million coming from Albania and $3 million from the US. The radar is integrated into the NATO Integrated Air Defense System.[55][56]
UAV ground control station Mobile GCS  Turkey
2 After Bayraktar Drones TB2 received,[57] are installed in Kucova new Air Base with 2 UAV control station from Turkey[58]
Sea maritime radar system PRT-11

PRT-13

PRT-14

QOV

PRT-20

PRT-22

Monitors SVHD

PRT-19

PRT-17

 United States 9[59][60] In 2014 Albania Signed a contract for 30 million $ with Lockheed Martin Company to repair and put working its Sea Maritime radar systems[61] and in 2020 signed another contract for 750,000$ with the same company for the maintanance of the system[62]
Anti-Drone System Morpihus  United States 1(on order)[63] February 2024, Minister of Defence declared that Albania is buying Anti-Drone systems [64]

Aircraft

Aircraft Type Origin Image No. Details
Transport Aircraft
Airbus A319CJ VIP Transport Aircraft  Germany
 France
1 Used for Presidential Transport
Helicopters
CH-47 Chinook Heavy lift helicopter  United States 0 (5 on order) In the use of BFS[65]
Mil Mi-8 Utility helicopter  Soviet Union 1 Used by the RENEA Counter-terrorism Police[66]
Bell 212 Utility helicopter  United States
 Canada
1 In the use of Emergency and Police of Renea
Eurocopter AS532 Cougar Utility helicopter  France
 United Kingdom
4 On 17 December 2009, the Ministry of Defense signed a contract worth 78,633,288 Euros with Eurocopter for the purchase of 5 Eurocopter AS532 AL Cougar helicopters.[67] The types consist of 1 VIP, 1 SAR, 1 medical evacuation, and 2 troop transportation helicopters.[68][69] After the VIP helicopter crash in 2012 in the French Alps, in 2013, the Albanian side asked Eurocopter (now Airbus) to cancel the arrival of the last helicopter and its conversion to two light Eurocopter EC145M helicopters.[70][71]
Eurocopter EC145 Utility helicopter  France
 Germany
 Japan
3 Initially, the Ministry of Defence decided in 2011 to buy 1 Eurocopter EC145 helicopter VIP variant that will serve as an air transport for the heads of state. The contract was signed on 29 March 2011 with Eurocopter worth €5,350,000.[72] In 2014, the new government after an accident during a test in the French Alps with an AS532 AL Cougar VIP built for AAF, decided to renegotiate the contract by replacing the Cougar helicopter with 2 Eurocopter EC145M SAR.[73] On April 6, 2016, one of the two EC145M SAR helicopters of the Albanian Air Force crashed into Lake Skadar, where two pilots were killed during a training operation.[74]
MBB Bo 105E-4 Utility helicopter  West Germany 12 On 3 April 2006, the final contract for the delivery of 12 Bölkow-Blom MBB BO-105 lightweight twin-engine multi-role helicopters to the Republic of Albania was signed in Tirana between the Albanian Ministry of Defence and Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH. According to the Albanian Government. six of the BO-105 helicopters are designated for the Albanian Air Brigade, four for the Ministry of Interior and the remaining two for the Albanian Ministry of Health.
Agusta-Bell 205A / Bell UH-1 Iroquois Utility helicopter  United States
 Italy
7 3 received in 2004, with a further 4 ordered for delivery through 2006[75]
Agusta-Bell 206C Utility helicopter  United States
 Canada
 Italy
7
AgustaWestland AW109C Utility helicopter  Italy
centro || 1 || Used for VIP transport
AS350B Utility helicopter  France
3 First western helicopter to enter in service. 4 delivered in 1991. At The aircraft were given civil registrations and painted in a bright blue civilian scheme to show clearly their assignment to non-military government tasks including carrying important government personnel, search and rescue, and assistance for the police. A single example has crashed and, while controlled by the air force into the 2000s, the helicopters have been transferred to the Albanian government's Ministry of the Interior where they continue to serve in the same role.[76]
Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk Utility helicopter  United States 2 (4 more on order)[2] In April 2019, the Minister of Defense Olta Xhaçka, stated that Albania is in talks for the acquisition of Black Hawk helicopters.[77] In 2021, in an interview with EuroNews, US Lieutenant colonel Erol Munir stated that the number of BlackHawks will be two and they are expected to enter the service during 2023.[78] Two Black Hawks were delivered to Albania in January 2024.[79]
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
RQ-20 Puma UAV  United States 6 In July 2020, Albania expressed interest in buying 6 RQ-20B Puma Block AE.[80][81] The training and preparation began in early September 2021 and the UAVs are since then used by the b2K.[82]
Bayraktar TB2 UCAV  Turkey

Bayraktar TB2 Runway

3 (6 on order)[83] On 3 July 2021, Albania announced plans to acquire the Bayraktar TB2 UAV.[84] Initially, the UAVs were only intended to be unarmed and to be used only for civil purposes such as monitoring the wildfire and the territory from Illegal constructions, as well as supporting SAR and police operations. In September 2022, during an interview, PM Edi Rama stated that 6 Bayraktar TB2 would be purchased and that, seeing the latest developments of the invasion of Ukraine, the drones would be equipped with weapons, so that in addition to the other previously stated purposes can also be used for military purposes.[85][86] On 22 December 2022, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced Albania would be buying 3 new Bayraktar drones "the drones, which will be armed and ready for combat, will help authorities in a number of areas, including monitoring the Balkan country's territory, locating cannabis plantations and tracking wildfires" said Rama.[87][88]

Watercraft

Albanian Coast Guard

Class Type Origin Ship Image Details
Coastal patrol vessels
Iliria-class Patrol vessel  Netherlands
 Albania
Iliria
Oriku
Lissus
Butrinti
On November 13, 2007, a contract was signed with Damen Shipyards for four Stan Patrol 4207 offshore patrol vessels. The first was built in The Netherlands while the remaining three were built locally in Pashaliman Shipyard in Vlorë. It has full load displacement of 208t and total speed of 26 knots.[89] All four vessels are armed with a remote-controlled 20mm Nexter M621 NARWHAL turret.[90][91]
Type 227 Patrol boat  Italy R 123
R 124
R 225
R 226
Built in the years 1966–1969 in Italy. They were transferred from the Italian Coast Guard to the Albanian Coast Guard in 2002.[89] Since then they have served as patrol boats during the summer season and the high tourist flow on the beaches. It has full load displacement of 16t and total speed of 24 knots.
2000-class Patrol & Training boat  Italy R 125
R 126
R 127
R 128
R 224
R 227
R 228
5000-class Patrol boat  Italy 8 boats
Transferred from Italian Guardia di Finanza in 2006. Since then they have been used by the Coast Guard to fight migrant or drug trafficking to Europe. It has 28t full load displacements.[89]
Sea Spectre Patrol Boat  United States R 215
R 216
R 118
Transferred from the US to the Albanian Coast Guard on February 27, 1999.
PCC-class Patrol boat  United States R 117
R 217
They were transferred from the US to the Albanian Coast Guard on February 27, 1999. They are equipped with 12.7mm machine guns. It has full load displacement of 18t and total speed of 34 knots.[89]
RB-M  United States 5 boats

Albanian Navy

Class Type Origin Ship Image Details
Anti-pollution vessels
Siman C 1297  Italy Rodoni Y 31
Karaburuni Y 32
[92]

References

  1. ^ "Mission of the Albanian Land Force". Albanian Armed Forces. Archived from the original on 2017-08-18. Retrieved 2017-08-30.
  2. ^ "Overview of FT mission and duties" (PDF). Gazeta Ushtria. Ministry of Defence. 22 April 2016. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2017-08-30. Retrieved 2017-08-30.
  3. ^ "Small Arms and Light Weapons Project in Albania". NSPA. www.nspa.nato.int. Archived from the original on 2017-08-30. Retrieved 2017-08-30.
  4. ^ H&K in Albania (in Albanian). Pellumb Nili Youtube Channel.
  5. ^ "Soldier Modernisation | Italian Digitization Steps (ITALY)". www.soldiermod.com. Retrieved 2020-07-25.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h Presentation of the AAF new weapons (in Albanian). Ministry of Defence Youtube Channel.
  7. ^ "Albania Army Bids Farewell to Kalashnikovs". Balkan Insight. 2014-07-17. Retrieved 2020-07-25.
  8. ^ "Hapa të tjerë drejt modernizmit" (PDF). Gazeta Ushtria. 6 November 2015.
  9. ^ "FA merr dy helikopterë të rinj dhe katër mjete të blinduara". Gazeta Dita. Retrieved 2020-07-25.
  10. ^ "Italy to Transfer Beretta AR70/90s to Albania -". The Firearm Blog. 2017-10-16. Retrieved 2020-07-25.
  11. ^ "Anëtarësimi në NATO, Kodheli: Standardizimi i çdo elementi, parimi i punës sonë". sot.com.al. Retrieved 2020-07-25.
  12. ^ a b c d "Excess Defense Articles (EDA)" (.exe). Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). 6 March 2017. Archived from the original on 2017-09-07. Retrieved 2017-09-02.
  13. ^ "US donates 37 MRAP vehicles to Albania". www.armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 2020-07-25.
  14. ^ "The new ship "Oriku"" (PDF). Revista Mbrojtja. Ministry of Defense. QKMBM. September 2011. pp. 3–7. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2017-08-23. Retrieved 2017-08-30.
  15. ^ "The first ship was built at Pasha Liman". www.mod.gov.al. Ministry of Defence. Archived from the original on 2017-08-23. Retrieved 2017-08-30.
  16. ^ ""Butrinti" ceremonial ship launching". www.mbrojtja.gov.al. Ministry of Defence. Archived from the original on 2017-08-23. Retrieved 2017-08-30.
  17. ^ "Albanian M12 Woodland ~ NATO eFP EOD Contingent". 24 December 2023.
  18. ^ a b c d e f g h i Open Day on the occasion of the 104th anniversary of the Armed Forces (in Albanian). Ministry of Defence Youtube Channel.
  19. ^ a b c d The delivery ceremony of $ 3milions donation by Turkish government (in Albanian). Ministry of Defence Youtube Channel.
  20. ^ moti. "Nënshkruhet marrëveshja teknike për dhurimin e 5000 armëve "Beretta" ndërmjet Ministrisë së Mbrojtjes së Republikës së Italisë dhe Ministrisë së Mbrojtjes së RSH". aaf.mil.al (in Albanian). Archived from the original on 2018-07-03. Retrieved 2018-07-03.
  21. ^ Bozinovski, Igor (4 October 2017). "Italy to gift rifles to Albania". IHS Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 4 October 2017. Retrieved 4 October 2017.
  22. ^ "Peleshi: Këtë vit, përmbushim zotimin e investimeve në kuadër të NATO-s". ATA. February 2024.
  23. ^ a b "Turkey Albania MPT-76 and MPT-55 donated". raillynews.com. 26 April 2020. Retrieved 2020-06-07.
  24. ^ "Official army site".
  25. ^ "Türki̇ye Arnavutluk'a 30 Adet MPT-76 Ve MPT-55 Hafi̇f Pi̇yade Tüfeği̇ Hi̇be Etti̇". Savunma Sanayi (in Turkish). 2020-04-26. Retrieved 2020-06-07.
  26. ^ "Official army site".
  27. ^ "Türki̇ye Arnavutluk'a 30 Adet MPT-76 Ve MPT-55 Hafi̇f Pi̇yade Tüfeği̇ Hi̇be Etti̇". Savunma Sanayi (in Turkish). 2020-04-26. Retrieved 2020-06-07.
  28. ^ "Special operations and counterterrorist forces". Archived from the original on 2013-08-22. Retrieved 2015-10-29.
  29. ^ Richard D. Jones & Leland S. Ness, ed. (27 January 2009). Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010 (35 ed.). Coulsdon: Jane's Information Group.
  30. ^ "Albanian Navy Selects Nexter NARWHAL 20mm Turrets". www.monch.com. Retrieved 2021-03-14.
  31. ^ EDR (2017-05-27). "Nexter signs a contract to supply NARWHAL® turrets to the Albanian Navy". EDR Magazine. Retrieved 2021-03-14.
  32. ^ "The 45 Albanian Army Special forces face-to-face with the Taliban's in Kandahar, Afghanistan". Armyrecognition.com. October 29, 2011. Retrieved 2022-03-10.
  33. ^ "Albania Bought The CH-47 Chinook. The helicopter Used In the Iraq and Kosovo wars". YouTube. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  34. ^ "U.S. Army Awards Contracts for Javelin Anti-Tank Weapon Systems". Media - Lockheed Martin. Retrieved 2022-05-18.
  35. ^ "It is being used massively by Ukraine, Albania orders the anti-tank Javelin". A2 CNN | English Edition (in Albanian). 2022-05-19. Retrieved 2022-05-21.
  36. ^ "Albanian MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) firing TOW missile (Tube Optically Wire-guided)". YouTube. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  37. ^ "Ancile".
  38. ^ Stewart, Ramond A. (2006), "Large Dams and the Terrorist Threat", Protection of Civilian Infrastructure from Acts of Terrorism, NATO Security through Science Series, Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers, pp. 103–124, doi:10.1007/1-4020-4924-2_9, ISBN 1-4020-4922-6, retrieved 2022-08-11
  39. ^ Foss, Christopher F. (15 June 1998). "Norinco 107 mm (12-round) Type 63 and Type 81 multiple rocket systems". Jane's Armour and Artillery 1998–99.
  40. ^ "Albania Land Systems List (Current and Former Types)". militaryfactory.com.
  41. ^ "Ushtria Shqiptare Stervitje me Mortaja 60mm, 81mm dhe 120mm - 2022". YouTube.
  42. ^ "New mortars introduced". Gazeta Tema. 24 January 2018. Retrieved 24 January 2018.
  43. ^ "New mortars introduced". Gazeta Tema. 24 January 2018. Retrieved 24 January 2018.
  44. ^ "Dokumenti i Rishikimit të Strategjisë së Mbrojtjes të Republikës së Shqipërisë në formatin pdf" (PDF). www.mod.gov.al/index.php. Retrieved 2019-11-12.
  45. ^ "Albanian BMP-1". Tank Encyclopedia. 15 July 2014. Archived from the original on 2017-08-08. Retrieved 7 August 2017.
  46. ^ a b c "Turkey donates $ 3milions in aid to AAF". www.mod.gov.al (in Albanian). Ministry of Defense. 21 December 2013. Archived from the original on 2017-09-01. Retrieved 2017-09-01.
  47. ^ The delivery ceremony of 27 LR Defenders donation by Turkish government (in Albanian). Ministry of Defence Youtube Channel. 3 June 2015.
  48. ^ "The delivery ceremony of two EC-145 helicopters in the SAR configuration as well as four Iveco LMV armored vehicles for the Military Police". www.mod.gov.al (in Albanian). Ministry of Defense. 31 October 2015. Archived from the original on 2017-08-13. Retrieved 2017-09-01.
  49. ^ Bozinovski, Igor (4 October 2017). "Italy to gift rifles to Albania". IHS Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 4 October 2017. Retrieved 4 October 2017.
  50. ^ Minister of Defense at the Committee on National Security (in Albanian). Ministry of Defence Youtube Channel.
  51. ^ "Twenty nine High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles". Twitter. Retrieved 2021-02-25.
  52. ^ "SHBA, 37 mjete të blinduara për FA. Moses-Ones: Shqipëria, lider në rajon". top-channel.tv. Retrieved 2019-04-04.
  53. ^ "Albanian army was trained during two weeks with the armoured vehicle Nexter Aravis 2911124". armyrecognition.com. 29 November 2012.
  54. ^ "Albania Land Systems List (Current and Former Types)". militaryfactory.com.
  55. ^ "Mida Mountain Radar has been activated. Xhaçka: We have a completed view of the Albanian Territory". Ministry of Defence. 2023-11-06. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
  56. ^ "Lockheed martin radar, installed in Albania".
  57. ^ "FOTOT/ Të njohur për efikasitetin dhe teknologjinë e avancuar, mbërrijnë në Shqipëri dronët "Bayraktar"". top-channel.tv. Retrieved 2024-03-01.
  58. ^ "Detajet/ Instalohet stacioni i kontrollit tokësor në bazën ajrore taktike të NATO-s në Kuçovë për dronët luftarakë "Bayraktar" TB-2". www.balkanweb.com (in Albanian). Retrieved 2024-03-01.
  59. ^ "Tenderi, Mbrojtja 600 milionë lekpër të rregulluar nëntë radarë". Shqiptarja.com (in Albanian). Retrieved 2024-03-04.
  60. ^ "Sot provat gjenerale, do tëndizen 9 radarët e mbrojtjes". Shqiptarja.com (in Albanian). Retrieved 2024-03-04.
  61. ^ "Sot provat gjenerale, do tëndizen 9 radarët e mbrojtjes". Shqiptarja.com (in Albanian). Retrieved 2024-03-04.
  62. ^ "Lockheed Martin to Maintain Albania's Sea Surveillance System". Exit - Explaining Albania. 2020-02-29. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
  63. ^ kolgjini, anila (2024-02-15). ""Më 4 mars hapet baza e Kuçovës"- Peleshi njofton blerjen e sistemit anti-dron". Euronews Albania. Retrieved 2024-03-03.
  64. ^ kolgjini, anila (2024-02-15). ""Më 4 mars hapet baza e Kuçovës"- Peleshi njofton blerjen e sistemit anti-dron". Euronews Albania. Retrieved 2024-03-03.
  65. ^ "Albania Bought The CH-47 Chinook. The helicopter Used In the Iraq and Kosovo wars". YouTube. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  66. ^ "Paisjet Forca Ajrore". ARKIVI MM. Retrieved 2024-01-28.
  67. ^ "Nënshkruhet kontrata për blerjen e pesë helikopterëve". ARKIVI MM. Retrieved 2019-04-23.
  68. ^ Support, Web. "Arrival ceremony of the new Cougar helicopter for the Air Force, version "MEDEVAC"". Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 2019-04-23.
  69. ^ "The fourth Cougar AS532 AL helicopter arrives".
  70. ^ "Helicopter Crash in French Alps Kills 6 Eurocopter Employees". NYCAviation. 2012-07-25. Retrieved 2019-04-23.
  71. ^ "Ndryshon kontrata e blerjes së helikopterëve". Shekulli (in Albanian). 2013-12-20. Retrieved 2019-04-23.
  72. ^ "LIGJ Nr.10 446, datë 14.7.2011 PËR MIRATIMIN E KONTRATËS PËR FURNIZIMIN ME 1 HELIKOPTER EC 145 VIP". Qëndra e Botimeve Zyrtare. 3 August 2011. p. 21.
  73. ^ ""Eurocopter", Kuvendi miraton kontratën shtesë". Gazeta Shqip (in Albanian). Retrieved 2019-04-26.
  74. ^ "Albania to Probe Military Helicopter Crash". Balkan Insight. 2016-04-07. Retrieved 2019-04-26.
  75. ^ Das, Wim; Otten, Kees. "ALBANIAN AIRFORCE - Tirana's moving steps" (PDF). Retrieved 2008-12-26.
  76. ^ "Albania Air Force Aircraft Types - Eurocopter AS.350B Ecureuil". World Air Forces. Aeroflight.
  77. ^ "US gives 3 Black Hawk helicopters to Albania military". Army Times. Associated Press. 2019-04-21. Retrieved 2022-05-18.
  78. ^ "Lt. Col. Erol Munir: Albania will receive two "Black Hawks" of its own in 2023 - Euronews Albania". 2021-05-24. Retrieved 2022-05-18.
  79. ^ "First Black Hawks for Albania". Scramble Dutch Aviation Society. 2024-01-14. Retrieved 2024-01-14.
  80. ^ "Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Albania Puma System". GovTribe. 31 July 2020.
  81. ^ "Η Αλβανία δρομολογεί την αγορά αμερικανικών drones". Πτήση & Διάστημα (in Greek). 2020-08-04. Retrieved 2021-09-03.
  82. ^ "US Donates PUMA Drones to Albania's Armed Forces". ALBANIA DAILY NEWS. Retrieved 2021-09-03.
  83. ^ "FOTOT/ Të njohur për efikasitetin dhe teknologjinë e avancuar, mbërrijnë në Shqipëri dronët "Bayraktar"". top-channel.tv. Retrieved 2024-03-01.
  84. ^ "Albania to purchase Bayraktar TB2 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle". www.airrecognition.com. Retrieved 2022-08-12.
  85. ^ "Albania to Buy Six Bayraktar Drones". ALBANIA DAILY NEWS. Retrieved 2022-09-23.
  86. ^ "Rama: Shqipëria do të marrë dron "Bayraktar" nga Turqia" (in Albanian). Retrieved 2022-09-23.
  87. ^ Kuka, Giada. "Albania buys 'Bayraktar' drones from Turkey | Euronews Albania". Retrieved 2022-12-20.
  88. ^ Inc, Reuters. "Albania signs deal to acquire three Turkish Bayraktar drones | SaltWire". www.saltwire.com. Retrieved 2022-12-20. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  89. ^ a b c d Saunders, Stephen (July 2015). Jane's Fighting Ships 2015-2016. Jane's Information Group. pp. 3–4. ISBN 978-0-7106-3143-5.
  90. ^ "Albanian Navy Selects Nexter NARWHAL 20mm Turrets". www.monch.com. Retrieved 2021-03-14.
  91. ^ EDR (2017-05-27). "Nexter signs a contract to supply NARWHAL® turrets to the Albanian Navy". EDR Magazine. Retrieved 2021-03-14.
  92. ^ "Anija antindotje "Rodoni", Y-31, rivihet në gatishmëri të plotë operacionale". Albanian Armed Forces. 20 January 2015.

External links