Minister Nufi Says Albania Is Preparing for NATO’s New Phase Through Increased Defence Investment and Armed Forces Modernisation

During a news conference, Albania’s Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi said that the country is boosting its military capabilities, modernizing its armed forces, and increasing defense expenditure in order to get ready for the next stage of NATO’s expansion.
Minister Nufi emphasized that the Alliance’s confidence in Albania as a dependable ally and a contributor to regional stability is demonstrated by the choice to host the upcoming NATO Summit in Tirana. NATO 3.0, he continued, is a new phase of the Alliance’s development that aims to improve each member state’s readiness, capabilities, and responsibilities.
In this regard, the minister declared that Albania has entered a sustainable trajectory of increased defense spending, allocating 2.6% of GDP to the Ministry of Defense budget, excluding investments in military mobility, vital infrastructure, and cyber security. He claims that these investments are intended to fulfill Albania’s obligations within the Alliance and develop new defense capabilities.
The minister emphasized that the Ministry of Defense’s top priority is still modernizing the armed forces, which includes investments in infrastructure, technology, military education, and human resource development. Over the past two years, interest in enlisting in the military has grown dramatically, and recruitment has climbed by almost 90% when compared to 2024.
The agreement with Fincantieri, which is anticipated to generate about 500 jobs at the Pashaliman shipyard, boost naval capabilities, and transfer technical skills, is one of the major initiatives that Minister Nufi emphasized. Additionally, he emphasized the need of establishing the National Flight School, which will teach pilots and aviation professionals in compliance with NATO allied nations’ requirements.
In response to the wildfire crisis, the minister declared that the Armed Forces, working with the National Civil Protection Agency, have been conducting operations in Klos-Hekal, Drizë in Fier, and Ishull-Shëngjin with 104 personnel and supporting equipment. He commended the efficiency of aerial monitoring with Bayraktar drones for field operations coordination and early fire outbreak detection.
Finally, Minister Nufi thanked members of the armed forces, firefighters, and civil protection organizations for their dedication to managing wildfires and urged the public to refrain from starting fires in public places and to report any fire outbreak as soon as possible to stop the spread of flames.