Albania will begin domestic production of weapons, military equipment, drones and anti-drone systems, specialised vehicles and military uniforms this year, Defence Minister Piro Vengu said on Monday.
Presenting a new legislative package regulating the import, export, and transit of firearms, Vengu said six contracts had been signed to establish six public-private joint ventures through the state-owned company KAYO.
He said the parliamentary committee on European and foreign affairs had reviewed the draft law on the import, export and transit of firearms, their main components and ammunition, with a particular focus on developing Albania’s domestic defence industry.
Vengu said the defence ministry, in cooperation with the Defence Industry Agency, was entering a new phase aimed at ensuring a sustainable supply chain for all auxiliary products related to military production.
“This is necessary to fully align with NATO standards and with our country’s security and defence policies,” he said.
Albania’s defence budget for this year stands at about 58 billion leks ($592 million) and will be directed toward revitalising the defence industry, the minister said.
The government views the development of domestic defence production as a key strategic step to strengthen national capabilities, increase production autonomy and integrate Albania into modern security and defence industry supply chains, Vengu added.