Albania is strengthening its military power and at the same time laying the foundations for the development of a domestic defense industry, through a new agreement with the Israeli company Elbit Systems.

As part of the cooperation, Elbit will supply the country of Albania with 155 mm ATMOS self-propelled Guns, 120 mm SPEAR mortars, As well as two types of tactical unmanned aerial vehicles, the Magni-X and Thor.

At the same time, according to a relevant Haaretz report, the company will assist in the installation of production lines in Albania.

The move is part of Prime Minister Edi Rama's strategy to modernize the armed forces and develop domestic defense technology.

The Magni-X is a small quadcopter, capable of carrying a payload of up to 1.5 kg for about an hour, even in an environment with GPS interference.
The Thor, weighing 15 kilograms, can drop small munitions and operate for about 70 minutes without much weight.

In the first phase of the Program, albania will receive ten drones, while elbit will Then help create a manufacturing facility in the northern country.

Contributions from other countries

Other countries have also strengthened the albanian armed forces in recent years.

The US has provided armored vehicles, light weapons and training, as well as financial and technical support so that Tirana can fully approach NATO standards.

Accordingly, european partners have contributed:
italy has delivered patrol boats and naval equipment, while Germany has sent communications systems and other support assets.

Turkey has also reportedly supplied drones and trained Albanian units in mechanized operations.